Dorothy Iris Ward of Fernandina Beach, FL, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
Here is what we wish the world to know of Dorothy.
Dorothy held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
There is a discipline of duty that shapes a life long after the uniform is set aside.
Dorothy Iris (Pepera) Ward passed away in Fernandina Beach, FL (Nassauville) on May 1, 2026 surrounded by her family. Born in New York City, New York on September 17, 1933, Iris spent her earliest years between Madison, FL and Fernandina while her mother (Clara) served in the Army Nurse Corps during WWII. After the war, Fernandina became her permanent home. Iris graduated from Fernandina Beach High school, Class of 1951, where she met and married Andrew J Ward (Drew) on April 24, 1954 in St Michael's Catholic Church. Their 22 years serving in the USAF took them to Itazuki, Japan, Kadena, Okinawa and MacDill AFB in Tampa, FL. After Drew retired, they moved briefly to Atlanta, GA before returning home to Fernandina, where Iris returned to work for ITT Rayonier until her retirement. Iris also worked for Rayonier in the 60's, raising 7 of her 9 children all while Drew served in Vietnam. She was predeceased by her husband, Drew, her mother and father, Clara Jarvis Sturm and Alexander Pepera, her Stepfather William Sturm; and her beloved son, William Keith Ward (Bill). She is survived by children, Janet Ward, Victoria Bentley, Andrew Ward (Chris), Alice Cason (Steve), Dorothy Williams (Wolfgang Linke), Mary Ward (Jim Georges), Joseph Ward, and Catherine Ward (Joe DeGrief), her grandchildren, great grandchildren, her lifelong, childhood friend, Nola Perez, numerous friends, and loved ones. Rather than flowers, a donation in her name can be made to her favorite charities: Catholic Charities, Doctors Without Borders, or Smile Train. A visitation will be held Tuesday, May 5th, from 5-6pm with a Rosary to follow in Burgess Chapel at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, May 6th at 10am at St. Michael Catholic Church. Iris will be laid to rest at Bosque Bello Cemetery following the services. Join us for food and fellowship at St. Michael Parish Hall immediately afterwards.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family of Dorothy Iris (Pepera) Ward
