Christel Ward
January 31, 1933 – July 14, 2021
Christel Ward, a parishioner of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Palm Bay, passed away July 14, 2021 at the age of 88 after a short stay in the hospital and hospice.
Christel was a living, breathing novel of amazing life stories. Born January 31, 1933 to Margarete and Emil Wittmann in Bad Nauheim, Germany, she emigrated to the U.S. in 1956 after surviving World War II despite losing her mother and father, and older brother Rudolf to the war. Through ingenuity and hard work, Christel and her sister Rene were able to remain in their childhood home and ultimately pass it down to later generations who continue to live there today.
Christel fell in love with her devoted husband of 65 years, Robert, undoubtedly impressed by his roller skating dance moves and musical talent. In addition to her husband, she leaves behind a loving daughter Laona Ward (Tom Sheaffer), son John (Ruth) Ward, grandchildren Leslie (Edenilson) Da Silva, Jacob, Graham and Nicholas Ward and great grandson, Anthony Da Silva.
Christel was an extraordinarily kind and loving person who always put the needs of other’s before her own. She loved the Catholic church and her parish with all her heart and was a devoted member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Palm Bay, Florida. Although no longer physically able to attend mass in her last year, she insisted on watching online every Sunday.
View Christel Ward’s Full Obituary
A private mass will be held at Our Lady of Grace Church with burial at St. Joe’s Catholic Cemetery in Palm Bay, Florida on July 30, 2021. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation below in her memory.
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