Eunice A. Ward

Eunice A Ward, 94, of Joliet passed away peacefully Friday, June 27, 2025, at Sunny Hill Nursing Home. She was born August 18,1930.

Eunice was the youngest child born to Edward and Theresa (nee Aschenbrenner) Ward. She was also the last surviving sibling of eight children.

Eunice attended Washington School, Sacred Heart Catholic School and graduated from Joliet Township High School Class of 1948. After high school, Eunice began her career with Western & Southern Life Insurance Co. in Joliet. She was promoted to office supervisor in the Berwyn office and again promoted to senior supervisor of training in the Cincinnati office, from where she traveled throughout the United States until her early retirement at the age of 56.

After her retirement, Eunice was an active volunteer in the community. She was a member of Council of Catholic Women of Sacred Heart Church holding many offices over the years. She was honored as Women of the Year. Eunice was six years on the Parish Council of the Small Faith Group as an eucharistic minister and minister of care. She also served with Meals on Wheels. Eunice was on the planning committee for many years for the Back-to-School Fair. Sunny Hill Nursing Home honored her with the Schuth "Gratia Deo" Distinguished Volunteer Award in 1994. She was also a member of Women's Auxiliary of Cantigny Post VFW 367.

Preceded in death by her parents. Brothers, Harold (Irene) Ward and Lloyd (Theresa) Ward; sisters: Winifred (Martin) Decman, Lorraine (Valentine) Papesh, Bernadine (John) Ukovich, Verna (George) Papesh, and Rita (Norman) Patterson. Nieces and Nephews, Bonnie Weis, Richard Ward, Walter Dziurawiec, David (Pam) Decman, Robert DePratt, Dale (Barb) Papesh, Kathy Papesh, James Papesh, Dr. Nancy Potempa, Raymond Patterson and Edward Patterson.

Survived by nieces and nephews: Lawrence Weis, Emily Ward, Mary Ellen Dziurawiec, Veronica (George) Maertin, Lois (Walter) Steffes, Anna Marie (David) Hart, Barbara DePratt, Jerry (Martha) Papesh, Georgene Papesh, Joyce (Robert) Vicich, Robert (Sue) Ukovich, Mary Fran (Gary) Schild, Stanley Potempa, Patricia (Donald) Sodersten, Joanne Papesh, Peggy Patterson, William (Denise) Patterson, John (Pam) Patterson, Norman Patterson, Paul Patterson, and Kay (Tom) Ducett. Also, many great and great, great nieces and nephews.

Eunice was a devout Catholic. Her favorite hymn was Ave Maria. She loved it when Marcos from ALC Hospice sang it to her. He learned to play and sing the song especially for her. The family would like to thank the staff on 2nd Avenue at Sunny Hill Nursing Home and ALC Hospice for the excellent care she received.

In lieu of flowers donations to Sunny Hill Nursing Home, 421 Doris Ave, Joliet, IL 60433 or ALC Hospice, 360 West Butterfield Rd., Elmhurst, IL 60123 would be appreciated.

A celebration of Eunice’s life will be held at St Joseph’s Church, 416 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL  with visitation on Thursday, July 3, 2025 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am with funeral mass beginning right after. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 200 W. Romeo Rd Romeoville, Illinois