Doreen B. (Shepard) Ward, 97, formerly of Dallastown, passed away peacefully on January 31 at The Woods at Cedar Run, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on February 8, 1928, in Southampton, England, she was the cherished daughter of the late William Henry Shepard and Louie (Harvey) Shepard. During World War II, Doreen's mother opened their home to injured soldiers recovering from the war. It was during this time that fate intervened—Frederick C. Ward came to visit a friend staying at the home, and from a bedroom window, Doreen saw him and famously declared that he was the one.

That moment led to a lifelong love. Doreen and Frederick were married on October 12, 1946, sharing 51 wonderful years of marriage until Frederick's passing in 1997.

Doreen was a devoted and loving mother to Jacqueline Souders and her husband John IV, and Susan Berger and her husband David. She was a proud grandmother to the late Jennifer Lou Souders, Barret Barshinger, Jaime Pagotto and her husband Christopher, John  Souders and his wife Sarah, Lisa Winter and her husband Michael, and Samantha Mierau and her husband Michael. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her joy.

In addition to her husband and granddaughter, Doreen was preceded in death by her sister, Audrey Lewis.

Doreen was a hardworking woman throughout her life. She worked at a sewing factory in Dallastown, for the original Mack Ice Cream, and later served as a supervisor for Service America, from which she retired.

She remained active in the community as a member of Red Hats Chapter 18120, the Lung Association Mall Walkers, BPW (Business and Professional Women), and the Golden Agers. Doreen found great joy in painting, knitting, and crafts.

A viewing will be held Saturday, February 7, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at the Austin H. Eberly Funeral Home, Inc., followed by a funeral service at 1:30 PM. Burial will be private in Susquehanna Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Doreen's memory to the American Lung Association at www.lung.org