Vivian Carson Ward

Born: 5/14/1930 Died: 5/9/2013 Mrs. Vivian Carson Ward, age 82, of Delaware City, DE, noted educator and college athlete, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2013. Born in Erie, PA, on May 14, 1930, Mrs. Ward was the daughter of the late Roger W. Carson and Lena Barnett Carson. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Temple University, where she was a standout athlete playing both basketball and field hockey, and cheerleading as well. She began her long and happy career as an educator at Eddystone (PA) High School, and later accepted a position at the Notre Dame Catholic High School for Girls in Moylan, PA, with an auspicious interview: when she told the interviewing nun her name, Sister responded jovially, “Not only do you have the name of a movie star, you look like a movie star.” (It would not be the first or last time that the very lovely Vivian Carson would be compared to film legends!) During her tenure at Notre Dame, Mrs. Ward was charged with overseeing the physical education program for all 1400 students in the upper three grades. Additionally, she served as the head coach of the Notre Dame Brownies, the school’s outstanding basketball team, which she led to many championships and accolades, including an undefeated season. She was also able to continue her enjoyment of exciting athletic competition as a player-coach in a title team in the former Delco Girls Basketball League. Mrs. Ward remained an avid reader throughout her life and was a student of many subjects. She counted her happiest times as those spent in the company of her beloved family, all of whom will miss her dearly. Her beloved husband of 55 years, Francis Thomas Ward, passed away in 2012. She is survived by her children, Francis C. Ward (Michelle) of Bear, DE, Constance Ward Davis (Michael) of New Castle, DE, Gerald T. Ward of Clayton, DE, and Patrice J. Ward of Harbeson, DE; sister, Joan Karlunas (Walter) of Ridley Township, PA; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am on Monday, May 13, 2013, at St. Paul’s R.C. Church, 209 Washington Street, Delaware City, DE, where visitation will begin at 10 am. Interment will follow in New St. Paul’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mrs. Ward may be made to St. Paul’s R.C. Church, P.O. Box 544, Delaware City, DE 19706.