Obituary of Nancy Davies Ward

Ann “Nancy” Davies Ward of Sea Pines, South Carolina, formerly of Franklin Lakes, NJ, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, March 16, 2024. She was 95. She was at home with her daughter Kathryn, her son-in-law Thaddeus, and her grandson, Thomas.

Born on April 29, 1928, in Paterson, NJ to Frank J. Davies and Julia Kerr Davies. She attended Benedictine Academy and graduated from Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY with a BA in Education. She met the love of her life, Arthur in 1953, on a blind date. Both members of the NJ Ski Club, they enjoyed many winter weekends in Vermont. Longtime members of Indian Trail Club and later Sea Pines Country Club, she was an avid tennis and paddle tennis player, competing into her '80s, she and her team's final title was USTA Super Senior 70's South Carolina Women's State champions!

Survived by her sibling; Frank J. Davies, Jr of Melbourne, Florida, and Sea Girt, New Jersey, her daughter; Kathryn, and son-in-law; Dr. Thaddeus Grabowy, son Andrew and daughter-in-law; Mary Kerrigan Ward, and her much-loved grandchildren; TJ, Allie, Katie, Christina, and Thomas Grabowy and Tara, Ryan, Christopher and Cameron Ward.

Nancy embodied the phrase “Carpe diem”, living each day to the fullest. Whether it was tennis, paddle, bridge, gardening, or traveling with her beloved husband Arthur who predeceased her, Nancy was always sure to be happily, actively living. She loved to entertain and had an amazing group of friends with whom she played bridge weekly right up until her illness. Fiercely independent, she set a shining example for her children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Covenant House, a cause close to her heart.

A celebration of life will be held on April 27, 2024, at her home in Hilton Head; a funeral Mass will be held later in June at Holy Cross R. C. Church, Rumson, NJ.