It is with heavy hearts that the family of Susan "Sue" Ward, 71, of Derby, Vermont say goodbye to their beloved wife, sister, and mother. Sue passed away surrounded by family at home on November 6, 2025.

Sue was born April 13, 1954 in East Orange, New Jersey to Robert F. Stutz and Grace (Wilson) Stutz. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Home Economics. Sue worked for three years at Twinfield Union School in Plainfield, VT, before transitioning to NCUHS, where she taught for another 33 years.

She spent one year studying at Johnson State College, where she met the love of her life, Gary M. Ward. They married in 1979 in Newport, Vermont, and spent the rest of Sue's life living in the Newport-Derby area. Together they had two sons, Ryan and Cameron ("Cam") Ward.

Sue was a true lover of Vermont and skiing. She grew up traveling back and forth between New Jersey and Jay Peak in the Winter months to hit the slopes with her parents, and brother, Robert ("Bobby"), and sister, Priscilla ("Lilla"). Sue remembered learning to ski the mountain when it only had the Poma lift. Jay Peak was the backdrop for some of Sue's most cherished memories with her most loved people.

Sue was also an avid tennis player, quilter, and practitioner of many handcrafts. She enjoyed spending her summers playing tennis with a large group of friends. Moreover, she spent many afternoons quilting in the peace and quiet of her own home. In short, Sue was equal parts grit and grace. No matter the challenge, be it a complicated quilt, determined tennis opponent, ice-packed run down the Kitzbuehel, or terminal cancer diagnosis, Sue faced her ordeals with a quiet if fiery resolve, and an even warmer heart.

Sue was the beating heart of her family. She lived for "her boys": husband, sons, son's partner, Marc; as well as black lab, Ullr. She was predeceased by her parents, brother, Bobby Stutz; as well as her cherished dogs, Smitty, Max, and Kastle. She is survived by her immediate family, as well as her sister/best friend and brother-in-law, Lilla and Dean Lumbra; and sister-in-law, Kathy Stutz. In addition, she is survived by her Ward in-laws: John Jr. and Diane Ward, Norman Ward, Jeffrey and Cheryl Ward, Alan and Dulcinea Ward, Susan (Ward) Morin, and Ronald and Debra Ward. Sue also had many beloved nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.

A heartfelt thanks to Sue Morin and Deborah Joslin for their concern and loving care in the last weeks of Sue's life. In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that contributions be made to Memphremagog Trails (https://www.mstf.net/), where Sue spent many mornings and afternoons with dear friend, Carol Trembley and dogs, Ullr and Spencer. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. On-line condolences are welcome at curtis-britch.com.