Obituary of Estella Ward

GENEVA-Estella M. Ward, 91, of Geneva, NY, joined her husband in Heaven on Friday, October 17, 2025. Estella was born on March 20, 1934, to the late Frank Casselman and Rose Sova in Massena, NY. She attended Geneva High School. She married the love of her life, Donald L. Ward, in Geneva, NY, on May 23, 1953. Her love of music began early in life and was deeply rooted in her family; her parents met while playing in the same band, and music remained a cherished part of her life. She enjoyed singing and playing the piano, and performed in choirs and as a soloist throughout her life. Her compassion extended beyond music. She had a special love for children and animals, and her home was a haven for both. Over the years, she welcomed more than ten foster children, offering them comfort and stability during difficult times. For nearly a decade, she also worked with kindergarten students at North Street School in Geneva. Her love for animals was evident in the many cats and dogs she adopted and cared for as cherished members of her family. She was a faithful Christian, giving much of her time to serving at church. She was a member of the Geneva United Methodist Church. Then in 1974, she and her husband became members of the Geneva Assembly of God Church. She touched countless lives with her love and giving spirit, especially through her care for children, animals, and her cherished family. Her children and grandchildren survive her. She was a proud mother to her son, Donald Lewis Ward Jr., and her daughter, Chris Ann Duquette; and an adoring grandmother to Heather Schanz, Holly White, Julia Duquette, Rose Ward, Donnie Ward, and Daniel Ward, and great-grandchildren, James White, Alexis White, and Izzy White, and a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, parents, and brothers, Kenneth Casselman, Gerald Casselman, William Casselman, Larry Casselman, Robert Casselman, Leon Casselman, Merlyn Casselman, and Eugene Casselman; and sisters Virginia Casselman and Betty Casselman. Family and friends may attend her funeral at 11:00 am on Wednesday, 10/22, at the Palmisano-Mull funeral home 28 Genesee Street, Geneva. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery following the service. Contributions may be made in Estella's memory to Geneva Assembly of God Church, 50 Reed St., Geneva, NY 14456 www.genevaassemblyofgod.com, or Happy Tails Animal Shelter, Ontario County Humane Society, 2976 Co. Road 48, Canandaigua, NY 14424 www.ontariocountyhumanesociety.org/donate