Jane Denby Ward, 87, passed away July 15, 2015 at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie. She was born in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of Dr. John Howard Denby, DO and Christine Chapman Denby of Kirksville, MO. She graduated from Brown University in 1952 with a B.A. in music and organ, and earned her M.A. in music from Catholic University of America in 1968. She then completed the program for Theological Education for Ministry at the University of the South School of Theology in 2008.

Jane taught music on all levels in Virginia and in numerous schools in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties in Maryland, in addition to giving piano and organ lessons privately. Her energy and passion for musicals touched the lives of her students as they rehearsed and performed productions, including Brigadoon, Peanuts and choral performances filled with pieces from Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar. When she wasn’t in front of a classroom or stage, Jane could be found at one of the many local churches, directing the choir or playing the organ or piano. In her spare time, she was an avid traveler and loved to cook and read.

She is survived by her sister Sara P. Denby, Capt. USN (Ret.), daughters Karen Kistler Ward and her husband Douglas, Kathy Lee Duran and her husband Michael, Kristine and Angela Ward-Fischer, and son Hugh W. Ward III and his wife Sharon. Also surviving are grandchildren Jennifer McPeak, Amy O’Regan, Katharine Ward Revak, Michael J. Duran, Jr., and Cameron, Vincent, and Dominick Ward-Fischer, and five great-grandchildren.