Teresa Ward

Teresa D. Ward, age 96, a devout Catholic and beloved mother and grandmother, was born on August 8, 1930, in Biloxi, Mississippi, and passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 26th, 2026 at the Villas of Holmdel, surrounded by her family. She lived a life marked by devotion to God, to her family, and to the gift of music that brought joy to so many around her.

She was very proud of her Biloxi roots. Teresa was a talented vocalist for the 502nd Army Airforce Stage Band in Biloxi, Mississippi, which is where she met her late husband, Bernard (Bernie) Ward, who played the trumpet in the same band. They performed at the USO and Officer’s events at Keesler Air Force Base. Their friendship blossomed into a lifelong love, and they were united in marriage on June 19, 1949. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and song. After their marriage, they moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where Bernie attended the Boston Conservatory of Music, and Teresa diligently worked as a transcriptionist for the Legal and Underwriting Departments of the Hardware Mutual Casualty Company. Upon his graduation, they relocated to Treadwell, New York, where he began his teaching career in music. In 1966, the family moved to Hazlet, New Jersey, where they remained and made their loving home for many years.

Teresa was a lifelong and devoted communicant of Saint Benedict Roman Catholic Church in Holmdel, New Jersey, where she was also a cherished member of the choir. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she lived it quietly and consistently through her kindness, her humility, and her steadfast love for others. She found great joy in worship, praying the rosary, and in lifting her voice in praise. Her presence in the church community was a blessing, and her gentle spirit reflected the grace of her Catholic faith.

Music was one of the great loves of Teresa’s life. She was very passionate about singing throughout her life, and she and Bernie shared many treasured experiences through music and theatre. Together they were involved in various theatre productions over the years, especially at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Middletown, New Jersey. They also attended many concerts together, always finding joy in the beauty and power of music. These shared passions enriched their marriage and created lasting memories for their family and friends.

Above all else, Teresa was a dedicated and devoted caregiver to her children and grandchildren, and especially to her beloved husband during the last ten years of his life. Her love was expressed not only in words, but in the countless acts of care, patience, and sacrifice that defined her daily life. She gave of herself freely and faithfully, always placing the needs of others before her own. Her family was the center of her world, and she nurtured them with a love that was strong, steady, and enduring.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 51 years, Bernard E. Ward, on May 16, 2001, as well as by her caring parents, Sam and Mary (Keresich) Kuljis, and her dear grandson, Jason Smith. Teresa is survived by her loving children, Carole Ann Smith of Keyport, New Jersey, David R. Ward and his wife Lori Rosen of Somerville, New Jersey, Kathryn Febo and her husband Michael Sr. of Neenah, Wisconsin, and Susan Berrios of Matawan, New Jersey, as well as her son-in-law, Mark Berrios of Palm Coast, Florida. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Jeremy Rosen, Michael Febo Jr., Melissa Febo, Chelsea Berrios and her partner, Paul Bartell, and Andrea Kartsakalis and her husband Dimitri, along with her precious great- grandchildren, Reynaldo, Liana, Camila, Madison, and Angelo.

Teresa’s life was a testimony to love, faith, and perseverance. She will be remembered for her warm heart, her beautiful voice, her devotion to her family, and her unwavering trust in God. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of kindness and Christian love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. May she rest in the peace of the Lord, reunited with those who went before her, and may her memory be eternal.

In respect of Teresa’s wishes, she will be privately cremated. Arrangements were entrusted to Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, INC., 3269 State Highway 35, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730.

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