Adrienne Ward Memorial | Forever In Our Hearts

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About

Birthplace: Ballarat Hospital

Residence: Ascot Vale

Grave Location: Cremation

Obituary

25 September 1980, Ballarat Hospital — April 2026, Ascot Vale
Robert and Liz Ward, along with siblings Nicholas and Jordan, and Huw her Son are devastated to say goodbye to their beloved daughter, sister and Mother, Adrienne.
Adrienne was the cherished mother of Huw Smith Ward, aged 11, a devoted aunt to Eva, Matilda, Ruby and Archie, a loyal sister, and a deeply loved daughter. Born and raised in Ballarat, Victoria, she was educated at Mt Clear Secondary College before completing both an Arts degree and an Education degree at La Trobe University, Bundoora.
A teacher, traveler, and artist, Adrienne lived with her heart on her sleeve. Her love of the world took her across the Japan, UK, and Mexico — where she spent several years living and teaching, building supportive and generous relationships with her students that truly made a difference. Back home in Victorian classrooms, that same warmth and dedication never wavered.
She expressed her creativity through piano and song, and through painting and the patient craft of patchwork quilting. She gave generously of her time as a volunteer with the St Vincent de Paul Society. At home, she was adored by her loyal companion, Pierre the cat.
We will miss her voice, her art, her fierce loyalty, and her empathic ear. A generous soul to those she loved, she will never be forgotten.
A private cremation has taken place. An online memorial is available to leave messages for friends and family. A celebration of life will be held in Castlemaine, Victoria — date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you make a donation to a charity close to your heart in Adrienne’s memory.
— Robert, Liz, Nicholas, Jordan Ward and Huw Smith

For the memorial, we would love to collect stories about Adrienne to share with Huw and the family. If you have a favorite memory, or could share how you met her and the times you spent together, it would mean so much to us. These stories will help Huw truly understand the wonderful person his mum was.

Again a big thank you to all the friends and family who have given her so much love and support through her life.

Gallery

Youth

Family

Mother

Tributes

Adrienne, the bright spark in our family.

She loved her family, being connected and making things happen. She loved her friends deeply and was fiercely loyal.

She was kind, thoughtful, and wanted those around her to be happy.

She loved Huw and, with the love and support of her family, moved mountains for him. May he know how special she was.

And meaningful to me was that she never forgot my birthday (that’s a lot of birthdays!) It was lovely to be remembered; for the occasion to be marked.

We had fun together: organising our wacky 60s Fun Bus tour in Sydney, creating Japanese feasts and buying things together at the op-shop. Adrienne wearing op-shop nighties on the outside - way ahead of Collette Dinnigan! Dressing up for vintage photos.

Bless her and love to my family, Jenny

Adrienne Ward Tribute 1 Image by jenny ward

Always my coolest cousin, forever in my heart. When we were little spending time with you was an adventure. Be it easter holidays, away camping or just mucking about in Nan and Pa's garden - dressing up, riding bikes, chasing rabbits, dreaming up impossible plans. I would spend weeks counting down the days to whatever you had in store. I would tell all my friends that my cousin from Ballarat was the most amazing kid you could meet and I felt so lucky she was my cousin - blood relations - some of it had to be in me too right? I will always hold these special memories so close. Your love of adventure and friendship continued as an adult, always looking for ways to include others and treasuring experiencing things together. You will leave a space in our lives and will be forever missed.

Adrienne Ward Tribute 2 Image by Anita Ward

Some people leave an impression on you not because they are loud or demanding of attention, but because of the inate goodness they carry with them and share with others wherever they go.

I first met Adrienne in grade 3, and through the ups and downs of high school life, she stood apart for her kindness and genuine care for others. I’m so thankful we got to reconnect through work almost a decade later. Seeing her again bought back so many beautiful memories of the person who (maybe unbeknown to her) had supported me with her warmth and compassion.

In my eyes Adrienne was always somebody who rose above the negativity that can surround people and instead chose empathy, joy and understanding.

Adrienne, I am lucky to have known you through two very different chapters of my life, the world is a little dimmer without you in it.

Adrienne always brought fun and laughter to our family gatherings, from rollerskating on the toilet block roof in Porepunkha to introducing me to the 280 yen bar in Osaka, there were always adventures growing up together. The joy she brought to our family will always be cherished 💕

Adrienne Ward Tribute 4 Image by Cousin Elissa

I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Adrienne's passing. Although Adrienne and I had not spoken in many years, I thought of her often.
Adrienne and I met at a time in our 20s when we were both experiencing some sadness. I saw her sitting on a chair crying and I walked up to her and asked her if she wanted to be friends. From that moment we were friends. It happened so naturally, and so easily. It was a magical moment, two kindred spirits finding one another. We shared tears and laughter together and many fun times. We both shared a love for cats. She was kind, empathic and loving, sensitive yet strong. She was a true friend.
My deepest condolences to her family, son and friends.

Adrienne, thank you being such a great friend. We spent the best part of 18 years hanging out , riding bikes, camping, listening to music, sometimes fishing, and generally just laughing our heads off. I always loved listening to music with you and chatting about your latest art project or travel story. Of which you had many entertaining stories. Thank you for introducing me to Björk. Definitely came in handy in my early 20s and I still listen to it and think of you now.
My heart goes out to Huw, Rob, Liz, Nick, Jordan, and all their families.

AJ
When I think of my childhood, I think of you. From many years of basketball, to listening to you play the piano, to horror movies, to laughing until we’d fall over. There was never a dull moment. You were always the one to lead with kindness but also never took any shit.
I’ve thought of you often over the years and always with a smile. Rest in peace my friend, you will be missed
Kel x

My heart goes out to AJ’s family, what a tragic loss. I was so lucky to know this beautiful human as a teenager and she was bursting with fun, laughter, compassion, and love. We sang together at the carols by candlelight concert in 1995, my Dad took this photo of us in the night. Adrienne was pure love and acceptance, she saw people as they were and loved them for it - she was always so much wiser and self assured than the rest of us. I have thought of her often as an adult and am deeply thankful she was in my life. My thoughts are with her family and her son. RIP beautiful lady xx

Adrienne Ward Tribute 8 Image by Fiona Buchanan

I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear childhood friend, Adrienne.
AJ, as you were known in primary school, you brought so much fun and laughter wherever you went. We played basketball together for Sovereign’s, and you were someone we could always rely on — whether it was having our backs in a tough game or celebrating the wins with cartwheels and special dances on the court.
I’ll remember sleepover parties, watching scary movies, and writing letters to each other on a nightly basis — your letters were always so creative.
These memories and many more will stay with me forever.
My heart goes out to Huw, Rob, Liz, Nick, Jordan, and all their families.
With love,
Renae Mcilvena (Ure)

Adrienne Ward Tribute 9 Image by Renae Mcilvena

Adrienne, I remember the stairs in your house, scary movies and sleepovers, your loom. Friendship bracelets, braids, playing in the primary school grounds.
Hot chips out of the paper when we should have been at basketball training. Winding our clocks back, so we got to practice 'on time'.
The adventures, and parties, the fun times. To sharing your delicious spicy sandwiches with me at school when you returned from Japan - they were delicious.
When you agreed to being my catwalk model for my first year floristry project. You graced the stage how only you could, a huge smile, swinging the huge ivy skirt with such gusto!
You fill such a special place in my heart, a very happy place in the memories of my childhood and teenage years.
To Huw, your Mum's love and spirit will be with you always - carried in your heart and memories.
To Rob, Liz, Nick and Jordan; my heartfelt condolences go

School Formal

Adrienne Ward Tribute 11 Image by Cass Johnston

Adrienne with her class in Japan on her exchange year.

Adrienne Ward Tribute 12 Image by Cass Johnston

One of our many sleepovers

Adrienne Ward Tribute 13 Image by Cass Johnston

Halloween at School

Adrienne Ward Tribute 14 Image by Cass Johnston

I’m pretty sure this was Xmas time gift giving

Adrienne Ward Tribute 15 Image by Cass Johnston

Adrienne Ward Tribute 16 Image by Cass Johnston

My sister Belinda, Adrienne and Myself

Adrienne Ward Tribute 17 Image by Cass Johnston

A moment in time
Port Fairy

Adrienne Ward Tribute 18 Image by Cass Johnston

Jordan and Adrienne - Port Fairy

Adrienne Ward Tribute 19 Image by Cass Johnston

Port Fairy

Adrienne Ward Tribute 20 Image by Cass Johnston

Exploring Port Fairy with our cameras

Adrienne Ward Tribute 21 Image by Cass Johnston

Port Fairy

Adrienne Ward Tribute 22 Image by Cass Johnston

I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Adrienne.

Growing up we were the best of friends through Primary and Secondary School. Adrienne was a true friend that would always stand up for what she believed in and a free spirit in nature.

We used to have sleepovers scaring ourselves with tacky horror movies, dressing up for Halloween when it wasn’t really a thing yet, exploring the bush near her house, spending hours making funny tapes on the karaoke machine and just good all round fun.

Adrienne always amazed me with her dedication to the piano and I would listen intently when she played. There was one song she knew I loved and made it traditional to practice it when I was there.

Adrienne would always push me to try new things and she would always say “ Come on Ren, let’s pull a mission!” Then we were off on an adventure.

I have included some pictures of a summer fa

Adrienne Ward Tribute 23 Image by Cass Johnston - ( Ren Woodruff )

Adrienne, thank you for being such a fantastic Aunt to Eva and Matilda. Deepest condolences to Rob, Liz, Nicholas, and Jordan, and to Adrienne's son, Huw. You will be forever in our memories.

Adrienne Ward Tribute 25 Image by Kevin O'Hara

Adrienne Ward Tribute 26 Image by Kevin O'Hara

It was an absolute privilege to call this amazing person my friend. She took better care of me than I ever deserved. I will miss you lady xx

Adrienne Ward Tribute 27 Image by Kevin O'Hara

Adrienne you are going to be sadly missed at our family's gathering and we will miss your beautiful big smile,our hearts go out to Rob, Liz, Jordan, Nick and their families we are thinking of you all Ross, Lyn and family xx 💕

You don’t come across someone like Adrienne often. She was original, strong, and completely herself. She had a wild, free spirit but she was also deeply thoughtful, empathetic, and kind. She had an energy that drew people in.
I knew her to always stand up for what was right and for the people she loved. A true ally and defender, especially to those closest to her. She carried both strength and a gentle side she shared with those she trusted.
When I picture her in my mind, she is smiling and laughing. I will keep that image in my heart.
I will miss her, and am grateful to have known her.

There are few words at this sad time but hopefully the cherished memories of all that was Adrienne , her beautiful smile , her great listening skills and unconditional love for those that knew her . I had the pleasure of having her in our life from when she was at school and ongoing with my son Kevin O’Hara
We had many laughs and cries and we are forever grateful to have her in our lives 😔🥲Colleen O’Hara

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