It is with deep sadness that the family of Barbara Hare Ward announces her passing on Dec. 14, 2025. At age 93, Barbara passed peacefully in Rye, surrounded by loving family.
The daughter of the late Arthur L. Hare and Lela E. Hare, Barbara was born Sept. 29, 1932, in Oceanside, N.Y. She grew into a beautiful woman inside and out, who will be greatly missed and forever remembered. She touched many lives with her intelligence, generosity, and unwavering spirit of perseverance.
Barbara graduated from Newton High School in 1950. She maintained lifelong friendships with people she met there. After earning an associate’s degree in commercial science from Boston University in 1956, she held several administrative positions in the insurance industry.
Barbara truly enjoyed helping others and loved her family deeply. Raising her three children in Bedford, Mass., brought her the utmost pride.
Among her many acts of giving, Barbara volunteered to teach English as a second language, served as a museum docent, spearheaded a fundraiser for victims of the war in Ukraine, and volunteered at hospital and charity shops. She was a voracious reader and creative painter who will be remembered through her beautiful artwork.
Barbara is survived by two children, Rebecca (Mark Shull) Ward, of Palo Alto, Calif., and James L. (Sawako) Ward of Rye; her grandchildren, Emilie W. Ward and Ewan W. Ward of Rye; a sister, Mattie Lou Cabot of South Dartmouth, Mass.; two nieces, two nephews, and an extended community of family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, John A. Ward and Jeffrey Ward.
A graveside service celebrating Barbara’s exceptional life will be held at 1 p.m. on Dec. 29, 2025, at The Shawsheen Cemetery, Bedford, Mass. All who knew and loved Barbara are invited to join the family in honoring her memory. A memorial service in Rye will be held in the New Year.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Home for Little Wanderers in Boston, Mass.
