Obituary of Helen Ward

Helen 'Bib' Ward nee Zak, 93, of South Plainfield, passed away peacefully at home on May 8th 2016. Born and raised in Dunellen, Helen and her late husband John had been residents of South Plainfield since 1960. A lifelong athlete, Helen was locally known as the "home run queen" after belting 7 homeruns in back to back games while playing softball for the All Star Team, Kerwin's Lassies. She was one of a select few to play in the major women's circuit in Madison Square Garden and later turned down an offer to play women's baseball in Detroit. Instead Helen chose to become a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother constantly offering support and attending events throughout the years. An avid gardener, Helen was employed at the former Geerling's Greenhouse in Piscataway. She also enjoyed knitting, summers at the New Jersey shore, shopping with friends, watching baseball and the NY Football Giants. She was a devout Catholic whom attended the Church of the Sacred Heart. Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband John L. Ward, her dear siblings, Joseph, Steven, and Mary Zak and her adored niece JoAnn Englehart. Surviving are her loving children, John and Linda Ward, Matthew Ward and wife Terri, and Mark Ward and wife Marianne, her cherished grandchildren, John L. (Molly), Meghan, Matthew, Lindsey, and Ryan, and her great grandchildren, Ryan and J.J. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00AM on Friday, May 13th 2016 at the Church of the Sacred Heart, South Plainfield. Funeral services will begin at 9:00 am on Friday at the McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 12th 2016 from 4:00 to 8:00PM at the funeral home.