Jacquelyn (Jackie) Hession Ward, 97, of Lexington died peacefully on June 12, 2020. She was an avid participant in life, active in town politics, education reform, arts and crafts, traditional dance and music, environmental issues, gardening, church and volunteer work.
She was born in Arlington on August 3, 1922, attended Arlington High School and Boston Clerical School, and worked as a bookkeeper in Boston. In her 20s, she became involved with a social group that centered around the Intercollegiate Outing Club Association and MIT, engaging in skiing, biking, camping and traditional music and dance. A group of friends from that time became a lifelong connection.
It was through that group that Jackie met her husband, John. They married in 1949 and moved to Lexington in 1950. In addition to raising four children, she became active in town politics, serving as a Lexington town meeting member for 25 years, and on many town committees and boards. A major interest was education reform, with a focus on special needs and vocational education. She was involved in the creation and passage of Chapter 766 legislation (the Massachusetts Special Education Law) and in the creation of Minuteman Tech High School.
She was honored for her contributions to the Town of Lexington in 1991 with the White Tricorn Hat, awarded each year to an outstanding Lexington citizen. And in 2009, she received the Minuteman Cane Award, given annually to an octogenarian resident who is an inspiration to others.
She was an active member of many organizations. In Lexington, she was a member of the Arts and Crafts Society, Field and Garden Club, Historical Society, League of Women Voters, and the Lexington Ski Club. She was also a member of the Weavers Guild of Boston, Mass Audubon, and the New England Folk Festival Association. Her volunteer work included 25 years with the Girl Scouts and five years as a Den Mother in the Cub Scouts. She served as the Diamond Junior High PTA president, was a Metco host family parent, a driver for the Lexington FISH program, and was involved in food programs for the Pine Street Inn and Rosie's Place, through St. Brigid's Church.
One of her favorite self-created volunteer jobs was baking theme birthday cakes for patients at the Metropolitan State Hospital's children's unit, something she did for more than 10 years.
Jackie spent the last two years of her life at Bridges by Epoch in Westford. Her family thanks Bridges' staff for taking such good care of her.
She is survived by her sister, Jane Stumpp of Barnstable; her four children, Bruce and his partner Patricia Wood of Lexington and Dartmouth; Mark and his partner Susan Carr of Lunenburg; Steven and his wife Dawn Marvin Ward of Montague; and Susan of Lexington. Jackie is also survived by her grandchildren, Jacquelynn Ward and Ezra Ward of Montague, and many nieces and nephews. Her husband, John, passed away in 1988. She was predeceased by her sister Patricia Swanson and her brother Edward Hession. A memorial service will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Jackie's memory by being active in your community and be sure to VOTE! In addition, donations may be made to the Lexington Field and Garden Club at www.lexgarden.org or to the Lexington Arts and Crafts Society (https://www.lexart.org/donate)