Sally Ann Ward

Sally Ann (Buschie) Strong Lazouras Ward

Age 82 of Blossburg, was the daughter of Stanley and Margaret Grover Strong. She was born May 7, 1932 in Blossburg State Hospital and died Sept 1, 2014 while in Broad Acres Nursing Home in Wellsboro. Sally was predeceased by her parents , brother Stanley Strong II (Chick or DeeDee), husband Richard Ward, his daughter Debra, and his parents Kenneth and Mary Ward.

Sally was a 1950 gradute of Blossburg High School. While in high school she was a nurses aide at the Blossburg State Hospital. She also worked at Marvin's Tea Room in her youth. After graduation she enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Lackland, Lowery, Langley, and finally in London, England. While in the Air Force she went to photography school and was also a clerk typist. She attained the rank of Staff Sargent. She sang with the Air Force Dance Band. While in the service she received the Good Conduct and Distinguished Service Medals. After being honorably discharged she lived in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and eventually moved back to Blossburg.

Sally was a life member of William B. Wilson American Legion Post 572, holding various positions at the local and district levels. She was a member of the Blossburg VFW Auxillary Post 8730.

Sally worked as a seamstress at home and as a waittress at Harrison's Hotel. She started working at the Blossburg Borough January 7, 1969 and worked there until her retirement December 31, 2003. While at the borough she was the Borough Secretary and Codes Enforcement Officer. Sally was a very strong, opinionated woman to be admired.

Singing was always an integral part of Sally's life. She sang at many weddings, funerals, speciality events, and at many memoral services at the Monument in Blossburg. Sally was a member of St. Joseph's Church in Morris Run until the church closed, then became a member of St. Mary's in Blossburg. She was a member of the former Black Madonna Ecumenical Choir and enjoyed masses done outside for the Polish picnics in Morris Run and then Arnot. The Red Garter Review hosted by the Soldiers and Sailors Hospital of Wellsboro was a favorite for her.

She especially enjoyed family vacations at the beach, as well as gardening, cooking, holidays, making the traditional Polish doughnuts on Good Friday, making Greek meatballs, homemade noodles, crafting, family gatherings, good neighbors, and many great friends.

Sally was very involved in the community, for many years writing the Blossburg Banter column in the Wellsboro Gazette. She was also the announcer for several parades and would sing for special occasions. She was also active with the Blossburg Coal Festival committee and was the first chair person. She was also a member of the NP Alumni Assoc.

Surving are sister Iris (Sissy) Berguson ; sisters-in-law Viola (Bo) McElwain, Marcia Ward Sherman; children Linda Lloyd, Leesa Lazouras, Randy and wife Darnell; special daughters Sue Kaczynski (and family), Mary Helen Crawford Knopf, Misty Osborn (and family), Dianna; grandchildren Travis and Stacy Lloyd, Nicholas and Justin Lazouras, Aulii and Zach Murphy, Charnell Murphy; great grandchildren Kellen and Griffin Lloyd, Landen Murphy, Nicholas Damone; godson Luke Berguson; many nieces, nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be held  11 a.m. Saturday, October 25, 2014 from St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, Blossburg, with Father John Chmil as Celebrant. A lunchon will follow the service in the social hall of the church.  The family will provide the flowers. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Blossburg Ambulance Association, Post Office Box 2, Blossburg, PA. 16912.

Sally will be greatly missed by all. Thanks to all who touched her heart and we are sure she will be forever singing in the angel's choir.

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