Mary Critcher age 74 of Boone passed away Tuesday September 17, 2024, at Watauga Medical Center.

She was born August 22, 1950, in Boston, Massachusetts.  A daughter of the late Patrick J. Ward and Mary Manley Ward. She was a nurse at Watauga Medical Center for over 33 years having worked in various departments. Nursing was her passion in life and her desire was to help others. She was known as Mama Mary, Irish Mama, and Yankee Mama, and was loved by all. She was a loving mother, nana, and great nana.

She was a loving mother to her son Scott Critcher (Jennifer) and their children, Alex and Victoria; her daughter Jodie and her children/grandchildren, Livia and John Stafford (great grandchildren Ellie and Silas), Mary Ellen, Henry, Catherine, Delaney, and John-Patrick Coppedge; her daughter, Jackie Aldridge (David) and her children Clara and Will Priddy, two brothers, John Ward of Boone and Bill Ward and wife Ann of Boston, special friend, Kathy Regan of Boston, and sister-in-law, Diane Ward. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her father and mother she was preceded in death by one brother, Jim Ward.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Church of the Epiphany, 163 Galax Lane, Blowing Rock, North Carolina with Father Brendan Buckler officiating. A private interment will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens. A reception will follow the service at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 259 Pilgrims Way, Boone, North Carolina.

The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.