Jean Louise (Dent) Wardof Fairlee, VT passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at Valley Terrace Assisted Living in Hartford, VT surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Ward was born in Hanover, NH on June 14, 1926 which was also her mother's birthday. The eldest child of Thomas Johnstone and Ellen (Carter) Dent, she attended school in Hanover graduating from Hanover High School in 1945. While in school, she was a member of the Eastern U.S. Women's Ski Team and invited to the 1948 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz Switzerland, but was unable to compete due to an injury.

Through a mutual acquaintance, Jean met Robert Nelson Ward and they married on May 16, 1948 at St. Barnabas Church in Norwich, VT. After Bob's Marine Corps Service, they operated the Lake Morey Inn with Bob's parents eventually assuming full ownership. They sold the Inn and golf course in 1972.

Jean was very active in the town affairs of Fairlee, serving on the recreation council, school board, parent teacher association, library board of trustees, and town treasurer for numerous years. She was very proud of her Scottish heritage, and an avid knitter which she was well known for, especially her white sweaters she knit for her grandchildren. She loved to read, go for walks, cross-country ski and volunteer for many things having to do with the town of Fairlee.

She is predeceased by her parents, her young brother, Thomas J. Dent. Jr. (Jock) and her husband of 39 years.

She is survived by her sister, Barbara D. Hinman; four children- her son Robert N. Ward Jr. and Nancy of Fairlee, VT, her daughter Connie W. Johnson and George of Jacksonville, NC, her daughter Judith W. Stone and Byron of Fairlee, VT, and her son Steven F. Ward and Terry of Piermont, NH; eight grandchildren- Robert Ward III, Gregory Stone, Timothy Stone, Sean Ward, Catherine Johnson, George Johnson IV, Deanna Campbell, Danielle Ward and seven great-grandchildren.

There will be no calling hours and burial will be at the convenience of the family. A memorial service will be held at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Fairlee, VT on June 21, 2015 at 2pm followed by a reception at the Lake Morey Inn and Resort.

In lieu of flowers, a remembrance may be made in Jean's name to the Fairlee Public Library, 221 Route 5 North, Fairlee, VT 05045.