1969 - 2023
No Vistitation Date Scheduled
Funeral
December 28, 202312:00 Noon
Fairview Cemetery, N. Chelmsford, MA
All too often when I read obituaries it seems like a resume, and I feel like life is so much more than that. When you are diagnosed with cancer for the second time at fifty-one, you have some time to reflect on your life and what you want people to remember.
I was born December 28th, 1969 to the most amazing parents. Parents that allowed me to be me and not who they wanted me to be. Parents that instilled in me the value of family and gave us traditions that we all still hold today that we have passed down to our own children.
In addition to my parents, I have five of the greatest brothers a girl could ask for. Growing up with the boys was always an adventure, whether they were hanging out on the porch with friends or in the house eating dinner, it was noisy and maybe chaotic for some but for me it was home and some of my favorite memories. They were always proud to introduce me (Keke) to their friends and I would often hear, “I never knew you had a sister.” I like to think that’s because I was the quiet one! If you have ever been around the boys, you would understand.
You would think having five brothers I would be single forever! Nope, in 1998 I was lucky to marry my best friend. Gary probably got more than he was bargaining for when he said “I do” but he knew what he was getting into. Gary has had to be more than just my partner in crime and more than just my dinner date. He has been my caretaker through this diagnosis, my driver to and from doctors’ appointments while I yell at him to slow down or start breaking earlier, he has been the true definition of a husband. We have had so many fun years together camping, snowmobiling, traveling, going out to dinner and drinks with friends and even bickering about where the clicker is, have been some of the best days of my life.
Together we were blessed with two amazing children, Kendra and Ryan. These two are my gifts to this world! Some of my favorite memories were watching them play sports, taking part in school activities, and Kendra Irish step dancing, but by far the most rewarding has been watching them interact with each other. Whether it was arguing about who is right, laughing at me and Dad or sharing an inside joke. Watching them become young adults has been my favorite part. They are each other’s best friends and for that I am grateful.
Although I had no sisters, I was gifted the best sister -in laws a girl could ask for. Calling them my sister-in-laws just doesn’t seem right. They are my sisters! We have raised our kids together, babysat for each other, vacationed together, spent holidays together, laughed, cried and got drunk together. Your children, my nieces and nephews, were my kids’ first best friends and I know they will continue to be supporting them as they always have.
I went to school for Deaf Studies where I worked for New England Homes for the Deaf and then went on to Nursing School where I received my bachelor’s degree in nursing at Rivier University. The past six years I have worked remotely for an amazing company, PointClickCare. I made friends from around the country and Canada, and I will miss our morning “strategic calls”
While the kids were little, we volunteered for the Chernobyl Childrens project, hosting kids for a month at our home. I was fortunate enough to go to Russia/Belerus and the Ukraine to visit them in their home. My heart breaks to see how things are there now but I will fondly remember the kind people we met along the way.
I loved to travel and could often be seen convincing others to join me on these trips. Whether it was trips to Aruba, Mexico, Florida, or in other States, we had a blast. I especially loved cruising and looking out at the vast ocean or the amazing stars at night. Cruising brought us so many fun adventures; zip lining, cave tubing, ATV riding, snorkeling and swimming with the beautiful sea turtles in the BVI. My trip to Ireland with Kendra and Lauren to visit Lindsey was a once in a lifetime trip and I am blessed to have shared those moments with the three of you (even kissing the Blarney Stone).
To Kendra and Ryan, I am honored to be your mother. You have made me so proud of the young adults you have become, and I will be with you every moment going forward.
Looking back, this is what life is all about, family and friends making memories. Memories continue forever by shared stories and family tradition. I wish you a lifetime of memories and thanks for reading.
– Kristen Ward
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions to The Ellie Fund for Breast Cancer in Kristen’s honor. www.elliefund.org 200 Reservoir Street, Suite 300 Needham, MA 02494
Funeral Notice
There will be a funeral service for Kristen on Thursday, December 28, 2023 12 Noon at Fairview Cemetery, Main Street, North Chelmsford, MA 01863.
Christine Wayne
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I am very sorry for the families loss. Too soon, too fast. Rest now Kristen. You deserve the rest.
Leah Perry
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So very sorry for your loss
Heidi Trottier (Wheeler)
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My deepest most sincere condolences to her entire family. I have very fond memories of her from North School where Kristen, Dianne and I were called the Roller derby girls (I think that’s what Mrs. Farrington called the 3 of us.). Rest in peace!!!
Coleen DeChiara
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So sorry Pratt and Ward families, she will be missed whole heartedly.
Karen Weilbrenner
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Sending our heartfelt condolences. With love, Karen and Bobby
Derek Hartley
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My deepest condolences to Kristen’s family & friends. Great memories of all the fun times back in the day. God speed
Sue D’Amore
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I am so very sorry for your loss. Kristen was an incredible woman. May she rest in internal peace.
Daniel K Houston
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Rest in peace My friend I guess I could be your sixth brother because I hung on that front porch on Middlesex street many times. (lol). Heaven has just gained a beautiful angel.
Thank you for being you.
Dan Houston
Kristen Shaw
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My deepest condolences to Kristen’s loved ones.
Eddie Mullett
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I am saddened to hear of Kristen’s passing, as I knew her in elementary school (North School) and McCarthy Jr High…..Rest in Peace, Kristen
Linda Cannistraro
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Gary I am so very sorry for your loss. Gone way to soon. Prayers for you and your family
Angela Chan
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Our thoughts and prayers to your family and friends. She was a fun loving person. I’m just so shocked of her passing. May she rest in peace. With lots of love and happy memories to share.
Kelly Brooks
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I am so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts are with the Families.
I pray for peace for Kendra, Ryan and Gary in this difficult time.
Art Montuori
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Gary I’m so sorry for your loss.
Lisa Trabucco
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I have never read an obituary that made me ugly cry and smile at the same time. I cannot imagine the strength it took to write it.
I will be forever grateful for all of the love and support that Kristen gave to Alex through the years. She was a selfless woman who made a difference in Lance and I’s daughter’s life and there are no words that can adequately express my gratitude for that. My heart goes out to Gary, Kendra and Ryan..the strength you have all shown through this terrible time is nothing short of amazing. God bless the Pratt and Ward families, may you take comfort in knowing Kristen is at peace and with her brother now.
Godspeed Kristen.
Kristen Michaud
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I remember hanging out at Kristen’s house when we were in high school; It seems like it was just yesterday. We talked about going to Nursing School together and we went to get our admission paperwork together from Rivier College. She was the easiest person to get along with and a great friend. I can still hear her laugh and I can still recall the songs we used to sing out loud as we walked back and forth to each others house. To Kristen’’s family and friends, my heart breaks for you.
Patricia Moran
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My sincere sympathies to the Pratt and Ward families. What a beautiful obituary! Kristen has inspired me from heaven! I know she was an awesome daughter, wife, mother, aunt and friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Frank and Jennifer Goode
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Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Gary, Kendra, Ryan and the entire Pratt family. Kristen you will always be remembered as such a beautiful person and your words memorialized forever in your obituary. Our family was so lucky to have experienced one of those Ward and Pratt family cruises when we randomly found ourselves on the same cruise with them a few years back. Amazing families! Some great memories we will have forever. God bless you Kristen and rest in peace.
Debra Palmer
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My deepest condolences to the Ward family. Kristen was a great colleague. I’ll never forget our karaoke in Nashville 🙂
Mike Kneeland
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My deepest condolences to you Gary and family. My prayers are with you and your family.
McGrath family
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We are so sorry for your loss Gary,Kendra and Ryan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you ❤️
Deb & Rich Colangelo
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Gary, Rich and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to you and your beautiful family. May God comfort you all during these difficult days. She was taken much too soon. ???
Gina Taft
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RIP Kristen, condolences to family and friends
Aisha Chaney
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Deepest condolences to Gary, Kendra, Ryan and the whole family for your loss. Working with Kristen on the team at PointClickCare has been a true blessing and her warmth and positivity were an inspiration. I will always have fond memories of getting to know her in the early days, sitting together at team dinners and sharing stories about our kids. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Jerry Loew
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Dear Gary, Kendra, and Ryan :
We are so saddened by Kristen’s passing. We will always cherish the memories of the girls’ crew that did so much together in the early years. We were so lucky to have this group.
Our Love and Sympathy to You,
The Loewd
Jason Hill
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So sorry for your loss. I never met her, but PointClickCare where she worked is near to my heart! Prayers for her family and co-workers.
David Mackwell
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Gary,
Deepest condolences to your entire family.
The Aronian Family
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Gary, Kendra and Ryan,
So sorry for your loss. May your wonderful memories comfort you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Aronian Family
Stacie Chaves
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I am so sorry for your loss. Kristen is a very beautiful woman and she will be missed. Sending love to her family.