- Date Of Birth: April 3, 1922
- Date Of Death: October 22, 2017
- State: Maryland
October 22, 2017 marked the passing of a remarkable and inspirational women, Kathryn (Kitty) Summerill Ward, who died in her sleep at Broadmead in Cockeysville, Maryland. The daughter of Joseph John Summerill Jr. and Marguerite Star Summerill, she was born in Woodbury, New Jersey on April 3, 1922. During her long life, Kitty was surrounded by the devoted love of her children Marguerite Ward Haywood, Richard Hamilton Ward, Kathryn Juliette Ward, Herbert Henry Ward IV, and Joseph Summerill Ward, as well as daughter-in-law’s Amy Machin-Ward, Mary Sanphilipo Ward, and Donna Tamayo-Ward.
Also, precious to her were Grandchildren Kathryn Haywood Gunputrao, Charlotte Haywood Worden, Sean Michael Ward, Alessandra Starr Ward, Kathleen Rose Ward, Sam Frederick Ward and Beck Machin Ward. She also has two Great grandchildren and a multitude of nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was proceeded in death by her husband of 69 years Captain Herbert Hamilton Ward III (US Navy Ret.) cherished daughter Marguerite Ward Haywood and beloved brother Joseph John Summerill III.
Kitty was a woman of remarkable intellect and varied talents, a devoted educator, mentor, scholar, essayist, artist and poet. A voracious reader and life-long student she earned a Masters of the Arts in Sociology from the American University. Always eager to share her knowledge and passion for learning, she was a proud member of the faculty of Cecil College for many years. Her devotion to her students was unmatched and they often contacted her years later to express how much she had inspired them. Her nurturing influence was felt by so many and she served as mentor and role model for countless women whose lives she touched. She was also a gracious host that made every guest in her home feel like one of the family.
Her commitment to education extended well beyond the classroom, serving on the Cecil County Board of Education between 1976 and 1986, including a term as Board President. She was a steadfast supporter of many charitable causes for women and children and was actively involved with the Maryland Action for Foster Children, Cecil County Conference on Caring and the Conferencing Center of Baltimore City.
Just as important as her scholarship was her creative and artistic side, as she excelled in a myriad of art forms, including photography, knitting, stained glass, water color and sculpture. Her works were always celebrations of color, and she often mentioned that she thought she may have been a rainbow in an earlier life. Possessing the soul of a poet, she crafted poignant and insightful verses throughout her life, many which were gathered into collected volumes she freely shared.
