Geraldine Costanzo Ward, 96, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 4, 2013 at Woodland Manor in Springfield, Missouri. She was born, November 8, 1916, in Noxen, PA, to Floyd and Edna Crispel.
Geraldine’s father and grandfather were old time Methodist ministers. Geri loved to tell the story of what would become the most significant event of her life. At the age of 7, as she sat listening to her Granddad preaching the way of salvation, she felt God’s tugging at her heart. When the invitation was given, she and her little sister left their seats and walked to the altar, sparking others in the congregation to respond which ultimately led to a revival.
As they grew older, Geraldine and her sisters sang and played instruments together and enjoyed music ministry in various churches, even on the radio. She received a full violin scholarship to attend Marywood College in Scranton, PA, and graduated with a Bachelor’s and later a Master’s degree in Music Education. She taught in the public schools in Pennsylvania and New York and later obtained a doctoral degree in the field of Philosophy.
In 1942 she married Paul Costanzo and from this union three daughters were born. She and Paul were active in their church. Geraldine played organ and piano and directed the choir, and Paul led the singing. They enjoyed playing violin duets and trained their girls to minister in music as well. They raised their children to love God and to be faithful in worship and ministry. They also enjoyed their involvement in the Gideon’s Fellowship and Christian Home League. In 1968, at the age of 52, Paul suffered a fatal heart attack and went home to be with the Lord. Geraldine eventually relocated to Springfield to be closer to family. She enjoyed giving private piano lessons during her retirement years.
At the age of 75, after being a widow for 22 years, she met and married Orin Ward who was 89 at the time. They were very happy in their little house by the lake in north Springfield for 14 years before Orin passed away at nearly 102 years of age. Geri then moved to Culpepper Place East where she enjoyed six wonderful years, made many friends, and was so tenderly cared for by the staff. With the help of Steve Dukes, a special friend that God brought into her life, a Bible Study began at Culpepper which continues to this day.
Geri will be fondly remembered by her family and her many friends and acquaintances for her deep love for God and His Word. She never stopped learning and was always quick to share her faith. Her prayer was that all whom she came in contact with would come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. In her last hours the words to the hymn Blessed Assurance ministered to her as she looked forward to meeting her Savior face to face. She is now free from pain and suffering and at home with her Lord. We know she is enjoying His presence along with those she loved who have gone on before. Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die (John 11:25, 26, NIV).
Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband Paul Costanzo and her late husband Orin C. Ward. Also preceding her in death were her parents Rev. Floyd and Edna Crispel and three sisters: Carmel Hubbard, Lula Jean Spencer and Joy Salico; and a grandson, Ronald David Everett Stair.
Geraldine is survived by three daughters and their families: Carol and husband David, Springfield, MO; Phyllis Dunn, Virginia Beach, VA; Darlene Johnson and husband David, Bay Shore, NY. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Pamela (Woods) Calvin and husband Jim; David Paul Stair and wife Renee; Rachelle Rivera and husband Michael; Jonathan Dunn, and Bethany Joy Johnson. Six great grandchildren include Ana and Mishelle Woods, Devin, Reaghan, and Dawson Stair, and Nicholas Rivera.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Dr. Richard Honderick, Dr. Kevin Watt, Hospice Compassus, and the nurses and staff at Woodland Manor for their wonderful care, concern and love expressed to Geraldine. Thank you to the many friends and family members who continued to stay in contact and paid her visits. You brought much joy to her life and were such a blessing.
A memorial service and burial will take place in Binghamton, New York. Online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Assembly of God in Springfield or to Gideon’s International.
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21 (NIV)