Carolyn Yvonne Ward (née Thill), 90, of Hampton Township, PA, passed away Thursday April 16, 2026 surrounded by family after a short illness. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and dedication to her family and community.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, George and Vivian Thill, her brothers George and Michael Thill and her husband Richard Thomas Ward.
Carolyn is survived by her loving children: daughters Yvonne Overholt and her husband, Michael Overholt; Suzanne Ward Crowe; and Michele Ward Bondi and her husband, Mark D. Bondi, all of Hampton Township; and her son, Richard T. Ward and his wife, Karen Ward, of Mentor, Ohio. She was a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great great grandchild all of whom she cherished deeply. Carolyn was one of four siblings and is survived by her loving sister, Paula Octavi of Spring Garden, Pennsylvania, as well as her dear brother-in-law, Edmund Ward of Gordonsville, Virginia.
Carolyn was married to her beloved husband, Richard Thomas Ward, in 1956, and together they built a life rooted in commitment and care that lasted until his passing in 2023. Their love story began in a simple yet memorable way when Carolyn was walking home from her job as a car hop waitress and Richard pulled over to offer her a ride, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership filled with love and devotion. She was the proud mother of four children, whom she raised with unwavering support, kindness, and guidance. Her family remained at the center of her life, and she took great joy in watching it grow through the years.
Carolyn worked as a Practical Nurse, dedicating her career to caring for others with compassion and skill. Her nurturing spirit reached far beyond her profession. She generously volunteered each year at St. Ursula’s festival, faithfully running a booth and always ready to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed.
In her younger years, Carolyn loved swimming, and throughout her life she found peace and happiness in gardening. Whether tending to her flowers or spending time outdoors, she appreciated the simple beauty of nature. Carolyn will be remembered for her warm heart, strong work ethic, and the love she gave so freely to those around her. She leaves behind a family who will cherish her memory and carry her legacy forward.
She is reunited in peace with her beloved husband, Richard, and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She will be laid to rest at Allegheny County Memorial Park Cemetery in a private service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul in care of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Ursula parish, Glenshaw.
When I think of my grandma I have such fond memories of going to her house as a young girl. She was such a caring person, the minute you stepped into her home she was offering you a drink or food from her refrigerator. I loved summer nights when we would visit because she always gave out ice cream sandwiches. We would all sit on the patio and just tell stories and laugh.
Grandma worried about everyone’s safety. Playing on the swing set she would get nervous if we were swinging too high. She would worry when granddad was tickling us so hard we were laughing but yelling “help!”
She had the biggest heart for her family and those around her, wanting everyone to be safe and careful. Now being a mother myself, I see why she worried so much about us, because she loved us that much!
I loved when she would share stories of her and my Granddad meeting for the first time. She would tell us “now girls, things are much different these days, you don’t get into the car with anyone you don’t know!”. The love she had for my Granddad showed in the way she talked about him and their love story will live on forever.
She loved her husband and her family and truly I think she showed us what is most important in this life by doing just that!
Grandma, I love you so much. I know you were so happy to be reunited your hubby.
Until we see each other again, xoxo 🤍
Today, I want to honor and celebrate the life of my beloved Grandma. She was a woman whose kindness, compassion, and love touched everyone around her. She had a nurturing spirit and a heart that was always open, not only to her family and friends, but to every stray animal that needed care and love. She never hesitated to take in stray cats, giving them warmth, safety, and a place to belong. In fact, the last stray cat she rescued, Beau, ended up saving my grandparents’ lives by waking them during their house fire.
After my grandparents moved in with us following the fire, I was given the incredible gift of spending even more time with her, something I will always hold close to my heart. Those days became some of the most treasured moments of my life. We danced together, watched movies, laughed over funny animal videos, worked on countless puzzles, and shared so many meals and memories together. It was in those simple everyday moments that her love and joy shined so brightly.
My Grandma was more than just a grandmother. She was a source of comfort, warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. She had a way of making people feel cared for simply by being herself. Her kindness, her gentle heart, and the love she gave so freely left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her.
Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the memories we cherish, the lessons she taught us, and the love she poured into our lives every single day. I am forever grateful for the extra time we were given together and for every moment we shared.
Thank you, Grandma, for the love, the laughter, the memories, and the countless ways you made life brighter. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
