Mary Sturiale Ward

Mary Sturiale Ward passed away peacefully on December 5, 2021, just 12 days shy of her 105th birthday. Mary was the last of her generation in the Sturiale family.

Born in 1916 to Italian immigrants, Orazio & Francesca Sturiale, Mary grew up in San Francisco with her 7 siblings & worked as a secretary in the car dealership business in San Francisco for many years. Mary met the love of her life, Les Ward, who we fondly referred to as “Uncle Lacy”, in 1957 & began her new life. Mary & Lacy did not have children of their own, but instead, loved & nurtured all the nieces & nephews who adored them both. Family holidays were celebrated at Mary & Lacy’s with music performed by her brother Joe on the piano, brother Nick on the violin, husband Lacy on the organ while Mary & mother (aka Nanna) were dancing along.

When Lacy died in January 1996, Mary started another journey in life that brought her to The Magnolia in Millbrae. Mary embraced this new life making friends with the residents and staff during her stay of 22 years. Mary loved her social time at the Magnolia getting together with friends for dinner every night, watching movies & playing games such as Bingo and Rummikub bringing home the winnings many times!

Mary was a spiritual person & dedicated to her Catholic faith. She had a loving heart & always lived her life in positivity bringing joy to those around her. She was deeply loved & will be forever missed.

Friends may visit on Friday Dec. 10th at Duggan’s Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave. in Daly City from 4 8pm where a Rosary will begin at 6 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday Dec. 11th at 10:30 am at St. Dunstan Catholic Church, 1133 Broadway, Millbrae. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband at Holy Cross Cemetery after Mass.