Donna Lee Ward

Barnet, VT: Donna Lee Ward, age 62, of Little France Road, died in Barnet on Monday night, July 27, 2026, at home in her husband’s arms.

Donna was born on June 12, 1964, in St. Johnsbury, VT, daughter to the late Bernard Joseph and Pauline Winnie (Messier) McElroy. She was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury where she attended the Academy. She married her high school sweetheart, Richard T. Ward on October 10, 1981, and have shared 44 years. Donna worked as a cook all her life with 10+ years at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital and over 20 at Maple Grove as a batch cook. She was always active, played softball, golfed, and bowled in the league at Gold Crown lanes where she once held the high score. In the 2007/2008 league she bowled her first 300 game. Donna always loved going to bowling nationals over the years and was inducted into the Vermont State USBC Hall of Fame in 2013. She loved hunting and fishing and asked every time what the boys had in the back of the truck when they returned home. Donna was famous for her mac-n-cheese and loved to sing in the car. She and Rick went on many cruises over the years and came to focus more on trips to casinos in recent times. She enjoyed watching the wildlife at home, especially the birds at the feeders and when the turkeys would glide in at daylight.

Her children were her life, and she loved watching them play sports as well as coaching them. She was always there to lend a listening ear and offer her love and guidance. When her granddaughter, Autumn, came along, she found a new highlight of her life. Donna loved to bake and enjoyed teaching Autumn how to make cake & cookies when she came to visit. They always loved to joke about who loved who more. Donna had a love for everyone, was always happy and smiling and leaves behind many family and friends.

Donna is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Ward of Barnet, her daughter: Jessica Bussiere of St. Johnsbury, her son Ryan Ward (Rebecca DeWitt) of Groton, her brother: Chris McElroy of SC, her sister: Rita Christie of St. Johnsbury, her granddaughter: Autumn Delabruere and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was also predeceased by her twin sister: Diane Bradley, her 2 brothers: Patrick and Michael McElroy and her brother-in-law: Frank Christie.

Friends may call on the family from 5-7PM on Friday evening, July 31, 2026, at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury. Services will be held the next day at 10AM August 1st at the funeral home.

Burial will be private in the future at the North Monroe Cemetery.

Memorial Donations may be made the Barnet Fire & Rescue, 151 Bimson Drive, Barnet, VT 05821.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at saylesfh.com