Mariann G. "Bridgie" Ward

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mariann Grace “Bridgie” (Tristano) Ward, 96, of West Boylston, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Francis J. Ward.

Born in Worcester, Mariann was the daughter of the late James and Anna (DeToma) Tristano. She was a graduate of Worcester Girls Trade School. Mariann worked as a seamstress for Mutual Coats and as a shop steward. She then went on to become an Environmental Building Service provider for UMass Medical Center and the treasurer of the Union AFSCME Local 2616 before retiring in 1995.

Mariann was a devoted member of Our Lady of Good Counsel where she belonged to a group that made prayer shawls for the sick and veterans. She truly loved being with people and helping in any way she could. She would put together the Bingo, poker, and movie nights at Mount Carmel Housing.

We will miss Mariann immensely but her warm heart and love for us will live forever in our hearts.

Mariann is survived by her devoted son, Francis Ward and his wife June Hubbard-Ward of West Boylston; her daughter, Laura Willkomm and her husband Stephen of Warwick, RI; her loving six grandchildren, Brynsley Ward and Jamie McCumber, Robert Ward and Tracy Caron, Jason and Angie Ward, Jonathan Ward, Timothy and Christine Forsberg and Lisa Fosberg; her adored eight great grandchildren; her dear niece and best friend, Joanne Prunier; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Sadly, in addition to her parents and beloved husband, Mariann was predeceased by her son, James Ward and her sister, Mary Carelli.

A Calling Hour will be held for Mariann on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 9:30a.m. to 10:30a.m. in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 111 Worcester Street, West Boylston. Mariann will be laid to rest with her husband in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mariann’s memory to the Disabled American Veterans.