Patricia A. Ward

Patricia Ann Ward, 94, of Salamanca, NY died Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Olean General Hospital surrounded by her family.

Born December 17, 1929 in Salamanca, she was the daughter of the late Jason and Sarah Royle Baxter. She was married May 26, 1951 in Holy Name of Mary RC Church, Ellicottville, NY to James M. Ward, who predeceased her in 1993. He would remain the love of her life.

A 1947 graduate of Salamanca Central High School, Pat was employed with the Hohman Professional Pharmacy and became a “working Mom” Bell Telephone operator. Later, Pat was employed by the former Salamanca District Hospital in the business office, retiring in 1995.

Pat was a devout member of Our Lady of Peace Parish and the Altar and Rosary Society. She volunteered for the Salamanca Historical Society and Meals on Wheels, was a “visiting Grandma” reader in Kindergarten classrooms, and was a driver and short-time board member for Interfaith Caregivers. She was the Zonta Club member of the year and was also a member of the Cancer Daffodil Sale Drive, the Class of ’47 Alumni Group, and the Salamanca Senior Center.

She always enjoyed the company of family and friends throughout her life. Early in her marriage, her Central Ave friends, Martha, Fran, and Boo, helped each other through all the trials of raising and corralling their children. Widowed for many years, Pat reached out to others and together they would enjoy trips, luncheons, dinners, local plays, and church services. Pat Quattrone, Sarah, Juanita, Sara, and Beverly were true and dear friends.

While she was still driving, it was rare that Pat missed a game or event that involved her grandchildren. She always asked what was happening in their lives and later, in the lives of her great-grandchildren, enjoying phone conversations, family holiday meals, and events. She was always ready for family.

Surviving are: five daughters, Kay (Thomas) Buffamante, Mary Ann (Fred) Saradin, Maureen (Michael) Onuffer, Karen (Bruce Barrea) Pierce, Patty (Steven Roberts) Ward; eight grandchildren, James (Christy) Buffamante, Joseph (Lindsey) Buffamante, Gail (Ryan) Beckstein, Julie (Travis) Ruterbusch, Andy (Katy Chirichiello) Pierce, Dana Pierce Daniels, Steven Daniels, Brian Onuffer; thirteen great-grandchildren, Jordan Buffamante, Thomas J. Buffamante, Sydney Buffamante, Camden Buffamante, Bennett Buffamante, Kaia Buffamante, Rowan Buffamante, Allison Beckstein, Oliver Daniels, Liam Daniels, Kaiden Daniels, Declan Daniels, Lincoln Daniels; five nieces and nephews, Eileen Hostuttler, Leo Graczyk, Laurie Horucy, Sarah Baxter Moss, Laurie Jo Edwards, and Alice Griffiths.

She was predeceased by two sisters, Mary Ann and Kathryn, three brothers, John “Jack”, David, and her twin, Patrick, and her beloved cousin, Emy.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 4 – 7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Peace Parish, 274 Broad Street, Salamanca, NY on Saturday at 10 a.m. with Rev. Joseph Porpiglia officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, NY.

Pat donated to many charities in her life. Among her favorites were St. Jude’s Hospital, the Lupus Society, and the Salamanca Historical Society. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Bradford Ecumenical Home, 100 St. Francis Drive, Bradford, PA 16701, or the Alzheimer’s Association, 6400 Sheridan Drive #320, Buffalo, NY 14221.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.