Sheila Rae Ward

Sheila Rae Ward, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died peacefully on May 22, 2026, at the age of 90.

Born in South Bend, IN, on July 22, 1935, to Mary E. and James K. Fogarty, she will be remembered always for her loving nature and her remarkable resilience.

Sheila dedicated her life to her family, always there with an open heart and compassionate support. As a young, single mom, she raised six children while working as a head bookkeeper for several local businesses in South Bend and Mishawaka. Later in life, she met and married a high school friend, Roger E. Ward. Together, they were skilled DIY enthusiasts who tackled almost any home project like true professionals. They also operated an eBay online store for many years, Colfax Treasures, specializing in fine china and small, vintage kitchen appliances.

Sheila loved baking (and anything chocolate), a good cup of coffee and a smoke, nights out dancing, and was a passionate animal lover with a special fondness for horses and dogs. She cherished spending time with her family and her beloved pets. Sheila also loved working in her yard and watching classic movies – with Double Indemnity and Gone with the Wind being her all-time favorites – and she never tired of Perry Mason or Columbo reruns. She always had a knack for figuring out “whodunit,” a skill she likely perfected while “being” Nancy Drew during her youth. When she wasn’t sleuthing neighborhood mysteries, she was likely playing tennis, horseback riding, or at the movies.

Sheila was preceded in death by her loving husband, Roger; her brother, James Kenneth; and her two eldest children, John James and Mara Jeanne. She is survived by her children, Crystal Lynn, Daniel Joseph, April Ann, and Rebecca Rae, as well as 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Sheila Rae will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America, your local hospice, or your local animal shelter.