Ann Wade, 69, long-time teacher at Saint Mary School, Williamstown, died Feb. 12 while battling esophageal cancer. Mrs. Wade taught at Saint Mary School for 43 years before leaving to take care of her health.
Mrs. Wade taught all subject areas and every grade except kindergarten, but for the majority of her time she taught math to sixth-eighth grade students. In 1999, Mrs. Wade received a Medal of Honor from the Bishop of the Diocese of Camden for her years of service to the Camden Diocese as a Catholic School Teacher.
“She had a genuine concern for each of her students,” said graduate Michael Fiore, who was in Mrs. Wade’s first class at Saint Mary School in 1971. “Mrs. Wade definitely had a positive impact on my life.”
Third-grade teacher Mary Jo Crispi added, “She was proud of the students she taught even after they graduated. She had a Wall of Fame outside her classroom of alumni who achieved various honors and awards.”
Mrs. Wade is survived by her husband of 47 years, Thomas Wade and children Mary Ellen Wade, Catherine Wade (fiancé Daniel) and the late Donald Wade. She is also survived by siblings Peter (Margaret) Gresko, Frank (Lynn) Gresko, Rose Marie Smieszek, Sue (the late James) Kochy, the late Thomas (Gail) Gresko, Mary Jane Gresko (fiancé Yuri Machnowsky) and Joseph (Kathy) Gresko, and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial was held Feb. 17 at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Williamstown. Interment followed at Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown.