Barbara Bernardi Ward

In the early morning hours of February 10th, as close friends and family drank coffee and told stories of her rambunctious personality in her beloved kitchen, Barbara Bernardi Ward left this world for a better place.  Her body finally gave up after battling several serious medical conditions for years.  As she passed, the bones of the house fell silent; her vitality and spirited energy that filled her space vacated softly. We were left with solemn silence and relief that her suffering had ended and she could finally be with her beloved husband Bill.  

Barbara was born on January 10th, 1936 in the family home in Provo, Utah to Jay Bernardi and Mary Brown. She was the oldest of four siblings.  She is survived by her sisters Judy Johnson (husband Phil Johnson) and Mary Jean Powers (David Powers deceased).  Her little brother, Julius Bernardi (wife Paula Bernardi) sadly passed away a few years ago.  Barbara attended Timpanogos Elementary School, Dixon Junior High School and graduated from Provo High School.  After high school, Barbara worked as a school secretary at Dixon Junior High.  She then attended college at BYU for two years.  She always proudly claimed she was one of the first women to wear slacks on campus.  After meeting and marrying William S. Ward in June of 1956, she transferred to and graduated from the University of Utah.  She graduated with a degree in English and later received her masters degree in education.  Upon graduation, she vowed to never wear or own anything BYU blue again, but appreciated the wonderful education she received at both universities. 

Barbara taught high school English for over three decades.  She began her career at Jordan High School and later transferred to Hillcrest High School.  She retired from Alta High School in 1997.  Her reputation as a tough, no nonsense but deeply dedicated educator followed her wherever and everywhere she went.  It was common for the family to be approached at airports around the world with the sentence, “I was your student, and I loved your class.”  Her love of learning and her passion for teaching was truly unmatched. 

Barbara was also a longtime member of the Utah Daria Book Club where she truly enjoyed the intellectual engagement of strong opinionated women having read good books. She, herself, wrote a wonderful book chronicling her family’s journey from Italy to Utah.  She was working on a second book about her mother when she passed.

Barbara is also survived by her daughter Mary Ann Ward and several loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins.  All whom dearly loved their “Aunt Barbara.”  Her loving husband Bill passed away in May of 2014. 

Mary Ann would like to acknowledge the amazing support and care given to her mom during her last years.  Camiile Stringham, Gloria Archuleta, the nurses at Canyon Home Hospice and the home health care providers at Home Care Assistance cared for Barbara with unparalleled compassion.  Their love and support will never be forgotten. 

On Monday, February 21st there will be a gathering to honor Barbara from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor located at 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.  A service will be on Tuesday, February 22nd at noon at Starks Funeral Parlor.  Interment to follow at Murray City Cemetery located at 5490 Vine Street in Murray, Utah.  

As per Barbara’s request, in lieu of flowers send more flowers. “Where the most beautiful wild flowers grow, there man’s spirit is fed and poets grow.” -Henry David Thoreau