Martha S. (Lowe) (Evankovich) Ward

Martha S. Ward, 66, of Storrs-Mansfield, Conn., passed away suddenly of a heart attack on Saturday, July 3, 2021. 

She was born in Marietta, Ohio to William and Barbara (Thomas) Lowe and grew up in Chardon, Ohio surrounded by books and laughter. She graduated from Ohio Northern University, College of Pharmacy. After moving to Poland, Ohio she ran a successful pharmacy, raised a family, and cultivated a dear circle of friends. Her two children, Mark and Megan, were the center of her life. She later relocated to Connecticut where she lived a happy life with her husband, Tom Ward. They spent their free time in the summer with family at the lake house, sailing, and entertaining friends at the family's home in Nova Scotia.

Martha made up for debilitating asthma in her youth by filling every free moment of her adult life with adventures. She was always up for an early morning run, hike up a mountain, bike ride around New York City, or yoga and sandcastles on the beach. Her family and friends meant the world to her. She would never miss a chance to spend time with them--she would work 12-hour days then pick up her grandkids on her days off and make homemade play-doh and drive golf carts. Above all she adored her grandchildren who will miss her for her adventurous spirit, her playfulness and unconditional love and devotion. 

Martha had the ability to make everyone feel loved and special. Her smile was infectious; her fun nature and kindness to everyone will be missed dearly. She cherished her friendships and enjoyed simple moments of board games and dinner as well as tropical get-a-ways. Martha was a gifted pharmacist who loved going to work to solve problems and help others. Martha also volunteered her time during Hurricane Katrina, where she spent several weeks working at a makeshift Pharmacy tent.  She was a well-respected pharmacist for over 40 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she administered hundreds of vaccines.  

She was a devoted wife to her husband, Tom, through his sickness and continued to show strength and positivity even in the most difficult times. Martha’s family asks everyone to pray for Tom’s ongoing battle with cancer.

Martha is survived by her husband, Clifford “Tom” Ward; daughter, Megan (Evankovich) and her husband, Paul A. Young; son, Mark Evankovich and his wife, Beate; Martha’s first husband, Gary A. Evankovich; sisters, Elizabeth Bechkowiak, Susan Lowe-Thomas and her husband, Marty Ankenbauer, and Jennifer and her husband, Jon Schaffer; and brother, Thomas Lowe and his wife, Dawn; grandchildren, Cameron and Bode Young, and Edie and Cleo Evankovich; step-daughters, Michelle and her husband, Chaz Mull, and Kim and her husband, Nick Lupacchino; step-grandchildren, Ashlee Stimson, Alexis, Adam, and Andrew Caffrey, and Isla Lupacchino; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends in Ohio, Connecticut, and Nova Scotia.

Martha’s favorite place in the entire world was Nova Scotia.  She will be laid to rest near her parents at Cape Negro Church where she will forever be by the ocean. 

Martha’s family invites her relatives and friends to funeral services and her celebration of life on July 10, 2021 at 11:00am at Church of Christ Congregational in Newington, Conn. Guests are encouraged to show their love by wearing Martha’s favorite color, red. The service will also be available online for 24 hours at the Newington Church of Christ Congregational YouTube Channel. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to the Cape Negro Church https://gofund.me/5136d0c7. To sign an online guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.