LANCASTER, SC ~ Mrs. Maria Antoinette Pelosa Ward, age 68, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at Atrium Health- Union.  She was born March 2, 1951 in Staten Island, NY, the daughter of Madeline Theresa Varriano Villani and the late Joseph Pelosa.  Maria is the wife of Phillip Anthony Ward. She was Child Development Center Teacher and a Target Associate.  Maria enjoyed cross stitching, playing computer games, and watching the food network and animal planet.  She loved her family and vacationing at their time share in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.  Maria was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Martinsville, NJ and attended Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.

Maria is survived by her husband of 44 years, Phil Ward; her daughter, Teri Walters and her husband, Ron, of Gastonia, NC; and her mother, Madeline Varriano Villani.

Maria was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Pelosa

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Maria will be 11:00 am, Saturday, May 25, 2019 at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home, 1800 Charlotte Hwy., Lancaster, SC officiated by Deacon Bob Donofrio.

Memorials on behalf of Maria may be made to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 7095 Waxhaw Hwy., Lancaster, SC 29720.

Burgess Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for the family of Mrs. Ward.