Vanessa Ann Ward age 50, 1973-2023 of Wallace, NC. passed away peacefully on October 13th with her Mom and Dad by her side after a courage battle with ovarian cancer. Vanessa was born in Beverly, MA and grew up in Marblehead, MA. She spent the last 15 years in Wallace, NC. Vanessa graduated from Marblehead high school and Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa.

She spent her career as a day care teacher. She loved being with the young children.

While living in Wallace Vanessa became close friends to so many wonderful people within Wallace and the community that she lived in.

Vanessa was an avid fan of cats. She loved sitting for cats in our neighborhood. One special thing that she always left for the family was a daily journal that described all the funny things that the cats or kittens did while she was caring for them.

She leaves behind her mom and dad, Sandy and Lenny Ward and several aunts, uncles, and cousins that she was very close to.

A service to celebrate Vanessa's life is set for 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 in the Wallace Presbyterian Church.  Her family asks that, rather than flowers, contributions be considered to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital-501 St. Jude Place-Memphis, TN 38105.