With sincerity and sorrow of heart, we offer the news of the
passing of Jacqueline “Jackie, Jack” Granger Ward. aged 89 years old.
On April 16, 1935, our beautiful mother was born and raised
in West Seneca, NY. until 1947 her family moved to Belfast, NY. Parents Gerald Floyd Granger Sr. and Dorothy
Wilhelmina Elsaesser and her treasured siblings. Jackie graduated from Belfast
Central School in 1947.
Mom married our father, Lawrence William Ward (Larry) on
10/23/1954 in Belfast, NY where they lived until 1956. Mom and dad then made a
home in Friendship, Ny. First they found their home on Moss Brook Rd in
Friendship until 02/15/1964 then they moved to Pennsylvania avenue, Jackie’s
dream home. She presided here for her remaining years.
Jackie wore many hats throughout her life. She enjoyed
knowing and helping her community.
She became a professional seamstress and upholsterer while
still in High School. She also had many hobbies to include painting, drawing,
stained glass, photography, cross stitch, knitting, crocheting, gardening,
furniture refinishing and upholstery, carpentry! and stonework!
She also simply loved bird watching, crosswords, and jig saw
puzzles. Jackie became well known for the elaborate wedding cakes and wedding
dresses she made for every family member and friend.
Jackie belonged to many organizations including the Red Hat
Society, a 4-H leader for 1 year, the landmark society being the vice president
for 2 years, the Allegheny County Republican Committee starting in 1974 for the
next 20 years, “The morning mix up” bowling league, the Genesee Valley Chorus
for 5 years, the Allegany Clerks association and former secretary, the
Friendship United Methodist Church and Choir, the Garden Club, the Musical
Literary Club, and the Ambulance squad for Friendship.
Jackie held many careers to include Church treasurer for 16
years, Radio dispatcher for the town of Friendship for 2 years, Census taker
and Dog Enumerator for 14 years, Allegheny Board of Elections for 5 years, Town
clerk of Friendship for 14 years, Notary public, and her pride of Church
treasurer for 16 years.
Jackie is survived by her children Marcy Bedell of Savannah
Georgia, Carrie Ward of Yulee Florida, Bruce (Jetta) Ward of Fernandina Beach,
Lisa (Tim) Szucs of Greer South Carolina, and Diana (Richard, Duke) Ellsessor
of Savannah Georgia as well, as her best friend and sister, Judy Granger
Mueller of Sanborn, NY. Also her beloved 14 grandchildren and 27 Great
grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Jackie also made a home for 14 foster children during her lifetime. She never forget a Christmas card or a
birthday card.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased
by a sister Sue Nita Sweet and two brothers Gerald Granger and Gregory Granger.
Family and friends are invited to the Memorial Service to
celebrate Jackie’s life on Wednesday January 29, 2025 at the Friendship United
Methodist Church, 21 West Main Street, Friendship, New York 14739. The service
will begin at 5:30 pm & The Rev, Michael Quesenberry and Rev. Bob Schooley
will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite
charity in her name. For the local’s, we welcome a dish to pass at the social
hour at the church hall after the service to celebrate our Moms wonderful
legacy. Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home
& Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba.
Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.
