Obituary: Gwendolyn L. Ward, 100, Fairfield Native

The following obituary is from Spear-Miller Funeral Home:

Gwendolyn L. Ward, age 100, formerly of Fairfield, passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. Born in Fairfield, the daughter of the late Frederick and Harriet Ward, Gwen had been a lifelong resident prior to relocating to Bridgeport to live with her adopted daughter Hope Wyatt during her final years.

Gwen was very proud to have been born to one of the first African-American families to settle in Fairfield dating back to the Civil War era. She graduated from Roger Ludlowe High School where she enjoyed being a cheerleader.

She retired from the General Electric Company following 45 years of dedicated service. Gwen proudly received two proclamations from the Town of Fairfield. In 2018 First Selectman Michael Tetreau recognized her as a Black History Month Pioneer Award Winner and in 2023 she was recognized by First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick on her 100th birthday for her service to Fairfield. She was also recognized in 2015 by the Pequot Library as a Community Hero. Gwen’s legacy lives on in the Fairfield Museum.

Gwen was a devout member of the Messiah Baptist Church in Bridgeport and was active and a Past President of Project Concern. In addition to her parents, Gwen was predeceased by her siblings, Nelson Ward, Stanley Jones, Nathaniel Ward, Edith Newton and Charlotte Ward and two nieces Renee and Renae Newton. Left to cherish her memory are cousins, Tyrone Thompson, Theresa Thompson, Stroud Thompson and Xavier Thompson as well as her adopted family Hope Wyatt, Christine Wyatt and Elizabeth Wyatt and grandchildren Jescie Holmes and Isaiah Stradford.

A service celebrating Gwen’s life will be held Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Messiah Baptist Church, 210 Congress Street, Bridgeport with Pastor James B. Logan officiating. Burial will be private in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield. For information or to offer an online condolence, please visit www.SpearFuneralHome.com

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