Pilar Ward

1940-2015

Maria del Pilar “Pilar” Milazzo Ward, 75, of Littleton. Predeceased by her husband William H. Ward. Survived by 4 children, Pilar Ward Heslin, Kathleen (Michael) Glinsky, John N. Ward, and William P. (Stephanie) Ward; sisters, Kay Milazzo Watts of Monterey, CA, Linda Milazzo of Carmel CA, and Elizabeth Milazzo Weagle Sonoma CA.  Also survived by her 8 grandchildren, Amber, John, Pilar Analise, Patrick, Killian, Peter, Connor, and Sophia. 

Pilar Milazzo Ward passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 13th, 2015. She was surrounded by her loving family. Pilar is remembered as a loving and adoring Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Friend, Educator and active Member of the Community. She is greatly missed by all those whose lives have been touched by her graceful & loving presence. She is now united with her soul mate and love of her life, in community with the Saints, the Holy Spirit, Mary, Jesus and our Lord. 

Pilar Milazzo Ward (Maria del Pilar Milazzo) was born June 26th, 1940, in Carmel, California to William “Vito” and Pilar Parga Milazzo. In 1958 she graduated from Monterey High School with honors (she was known as a brilliant and talented student, who was also fluent in Spanish, Italian and Portuguese). Pilar was Senior Class President, Head Cheerleader, Member of the Pep Club, and played Clarinet in the marching band and orchestra (along with being proficient in playing the oboe, violin and piano). Pilar received several college scholarships. She attended Monterey Peninsula College and transferred to San Jose State University to earn her B.A. in Teaching, fulfilling her lifelong dream of teaching children.  While at Monterey Peninsula College, Pilar met the love of her life, William “Bill” Henry Ward, who was stationed at the nearby Defense Language Institute, training to be a Mandarin Chinese linguist. Pilar and Bill were married in 1961 at the Fort Ord Chapel.  They would remain married for the next fifty years, until 2012 when Bill passed away from an illness.

Pilar & Bill had four children, Pilar Marie, Kathleen, John and Billy. To accommodate Bill Ward’s career with the government, the Ward Family would go on to live in several States: California, Utah, Virginia and Colorado.

Later, Pilar earned a Masters Degree from Loyola University New Orleans, in Religious Education. She would teach elementary level children at Del Monte Elementary in Monterey California, JE Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School in Salt Lake City, Utah, and St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Petersburg, Virginia. She also, for many years, was a Director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Lakewood, CO. Tutoring Children with Learning Disabilities was a very important part of Pilar’s teaching career.  She helped many children cope and go on to succeed in school and life.  She also had a great influence on many children’s lives by playing a leadership role in Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts, in addition to Religious Education (CCD/Catechism).

While living in Salt Lake City, Pilar attended the Catholic Diaconate Program with her husband, and Bill would go onto be Ordained a Permanent Deacon.  Bill’s position as Deacon would define his and Pilar’s religious lives and commitment to their parishes and fellow parishioners. Bill would go on to become a Chaplain and administer to the spiritual needs of Federal Prisoners & Correctional Officers, and Pilar was a rock of support throughout his career in church and secular life.

Pilar spent her later years surrounded by her eight adoring grandchildren; Amber, John ("Tripp"), Pilar Analise, Patrick, Killian, Peter, Connor, and Sophia. In addition to her great love of children and animals, she loved tending to her precious rose garden. She was a voracious reader, digesting everything from the classics to sci-fi and fantasy.  She re-read her favorite Russian novel “Doctor Zhivago multiple times, enjoying it with each pass.  Pilar also found great joy attending Colorado Rockies home games, and had a passion for cinema, both of which she enjoyed attending regularly with her family and friends.

Pilar Milazzo Ward was a modest person.  She felt other people’s pain, both emotionally and physically, understood other people’s suffering and tried to be a listening ear and friend to those in need. Her personal radiance, sincere dedication and success with her family, friends and career are evident. She said in her last days: “I have loved my life, and those in it”.

Committal service will be at 12:00PM at Fort Logan National Cemetery Staging area A.  Staging area A is the first right after entering the cemetery from the northern gate closest to Hampden off of Sheridan.  Please be at the staging area by 1155 am.

 Service Information