Virginia Ann Ward

Virginia Ann Ward, 95, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on April 1, 2025. Virginia was born in Elmhurst, Illinois, on July 23, 1929 to William Reinhold and Anna Frega. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Harold Ward, brother Warren Reinhold, sister Ruth Marsh, and brother Robert Reinhold.

Growing up during the Great Depression and World War II, Virginia had a very supportive family that helped empower her to thrive and overcome hardship. She learned that to be happy, you needed to help others as you helped yourself. Virginia graduated Elmhurst College with a degree in English and became a third-grade teacher at Green Street School in Bensenville, IL. Virginia met her future husband, Harold, at a social where their eyes met as they laughed at having to juggle plates of spaghetti on their laps. A year later they married in 1956. In 1960 they moved to Miami with their 3-year old son, Bobby, and where daughters Mary and Nancy were born. Virginia’s primary focus was raising a family though she found time to pursue her interests with garden clubs, playing bridge, bowling, fishing, golf, and church-related activities.

As her children entered college, Virginia began a second career in Real Estate, which she started just before Harold passed away unexpectedly in 1983. Virginia retired to Charlotte in 1994 to be closer to family after experiencing extensive destruction of their home from Hurricane Andrew in 1992. In Charlotte, she continued to volunteer in groups such as the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) that encourages the advancement of women around the world through education. Virginia also returned to her experience as a journalist by writing for a community newsletter, telling life stories of new residents. She was a member of University City Methodist Church, organized and played bridge and bunco, traveled, and continued to enjoy golf as she was able.

Virginia is survived by her son, Robert Ward (Ingrid), daughters Mary Ward (David Lewis) and Nancy Williams, grandchildren Stefanie Ward, Kirsten Paschal (Mike), Meagan Ward, Gracie Lewis (Andrés), Winnie Lewis (Sam), Joseph Lewis (Megan), Joseph Williams, and great-grandchildren Noah, Haven, Ocean, and Loch Paschal.

A celebration of Virginia’s life is scheduled for April 5, 2025 at 3:00 pm at StoneBridge Church Community, 3700 Prosperity Church Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269. To watch a livestream of the service, please go to: https://vimeo.com/stonebridgeclt.

In lieu of flowers Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or to PEO International. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to The Haven at Highland Creek and to Senior Care Carolinas at The Peninsula and to the many caregivers who helped Virginia along her journey.