Pauline "Paula" Lynn Ward

February 9, 1957 - September 26, 2021

Pauline “Paula” Lynn Ward, 64, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 26, 2021 after living her best life with her cancer diagnosis. Pauline Glasson was born on February 9, 1957 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Edwin and Joann (Dauer) Glasson. She married the love of her life, Paul J. Ward on August 11, 1979 in Livonia, Michigan. Paula graduated from Churchill High School in 1974. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in education from Eastern Michigan University and later a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Michigan State University. Over the course of her teaching career, Pauline touched and impacted the lives of countless children. Her career began in Livonia, then Lansing. She most recently worked her “Dream Job” at Pathfinder School in Traverse City. Teaching young children, the important social skills of today’s world. She retired in 2016 after over 20 years of service. Paula was an accomplished musician, playing the flute beautifully. Music was in her heart, she played for weddings, funerals and at her church. Paula was a member of the NMC Concert Band for 30 years. She was both a humble musician and athlete, competing in various 10K and VASA events, quite often winning her age group. She loved to dance and do yoga. Above all, spending time with her family was her greatest joy. Pauline lived her life by the “Golden Rule” and in the spirit of the Dalai Lama. The world is made a better place through kindness, love and a connection with all people. Pauline is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Dr. Paul J. Ward, a son, William (Sierra Isard) Ward and a daughter, Anna (Kyle McElroy) Ward Also surviving are a sister, Cyndi (Joe) Wolf as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Joyce Glasson. Friends are welcome to visit with Paula’s family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 1, 2021 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684. A memorial service honoring Pauline will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Rev. Alex Jensen will officiate. A public virtual webcasting will be at www.rjfh.tv. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the American Breast Cancer Foundation, 10440 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 300, Columbia, MD 21044 or the Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center, 2000 Chartwell Dr. #3, Traverse City, MI 49696. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Pauline’s family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.