Beloved Lynn Matriarch Anne Marie (Brady) Ward, Devoted Wife, Mother of 12, and Faithful Catholic, Passes Away Peacefully at 91 Surrounded by Family

LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS — With deep sorrow, the community announces the peaceful passing of Anne Marie (Brady) Ward, a cherished mother, grandmother, and devout woman of faith. Anne passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family at Royal Meadow View in North Reading.

Born and raised in Lynn in 1933, Anne was the daughter of the late Killian Brady Sr. and Anna (Casey) Brady. She was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s Girls High School, Class of 1950, and was deeply rooted in her hometown, where she spent her life in service to both her family and her community.

Anne was the devoted wife of the late Norman David “Bitsy” Ward, with whom she shared nearly 70 years of marriage until his passing in June 2023. Their union was a shining example of unwavering love, faith, and resilience.

A Life of Service, Love, and Legacy

Anne led a life defined by purpose and care. She began her working career as an apprentice at General Electric before taking on nurturing roles such as House Mother at the Lynn Hospital School of Nursing and Birth Registrar at both Lynn and Salem Hospitals.

But her most defining role was that of mother to 12 children — a role she embraced with endless grace, patience, and love. Anne’s home was a haven of warmth, laughter, and nourishment, famous for her beloved homecooked meals like spaghetti and meatballs, American chop suey, and meatloaf.

A devout Catholic, she was a longtime parishioner at Sacred Heart Church, a faithful member of the Ladies Sodality, and a woman who prayed the Rosary twice daily. She also volunteered regularly during elections and was an avid reader, puzzle enthusiast, and masterful knitter who crafted thousands of items for her loved ones.

Remarkably, she took her first airplane flight just seven years ago — a sign that even in her later years, Anne continued to explore life with quiet courage and curiosity.

A Family That Spans Generations

Anne is survived by an extraordinary legacy:

• 12 children,

• Nearly 40 grandchildren,

• Over 50 great-grandchildren,

• Several great-great-grandchildren,

• And countless extended relatives and friends.

She was the heart of a large and loving family who will continue to carry forward her strength, humor, and deep faith. Her presence at every family gathering, her knitting bag always close by, will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

She was predeceased by her beloved granddaughter Bonnie Ann Creamer, and her brothers Patrick, Killian Jr., Edward, Thomas, and Joseph Brady.

Final Farewell

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, beginning at 9 a.m. at Solimine Funeral Home, 426 Broadway (Rt. 129), Lynn, followed by Mass at Sacred Heart Church at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Lynn. Visiting hours will be Sunday, July 6, from 2–6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anne’s memory to Catholic Charities at www.ccab.org.