Cristina Walton Ward's Obituary
Cristina Walton Ward was born on September 11, 1946 in Buenos Aires, Argentina to Phyllis and Jack Walton. She attended Northlands School and was an exceptional student, graduating a year early as Valedictorian. Cristina grew up speaking English at home and Spanish outside the home (she also took all her school subjects in English and Spanish). Cristina loved growing up in Argentina where she spent summers at the beach in Mar del Plata and weeks at her friend Alicia’s estancia located in the Pampas.
Cristina moved with her parents to Memphis, Tennessee in 1965 and after a brief courtship married John A. “Jack” Ward, Jr. on June 11, 1966. One year later, they had their first child – Anthony, 16 months later their second child – Julie, and 14 months later their third child – Derek.
Cristina loved being a wife and mother and took excellent care of everyone. She was a fabulous cook, terrific gardener, and the house always looked perfect (even with 3 young children). Cristina took up tennis as an adult and for years she played regularly at the Racquet Club where she made many lifelong friends. After she quit playing tennis, Cristina enjoyed working out at EMCC gym multiple times a week where she would meet her friends to chat and take a bodypump or bodyflow class. Cristina also loved her daily walks with her cherished sheepdogs and visiting with all her sweet Belle Meade neighbors.
Cristina had a passion for traveling and took many international trips with her good friend Barbara Migliara. She traveled to 55 countries across 5 continents, and a few of her favorite trips included Egypt and the Pyramids, Cambodia and Angkor Watt, India and the Taj Mahal, Peru and Machu Picchu and an African safari. Cristina loved speaking Spanish (she could also speak some French and Italian), and adored traveling to those countries where she could speak her native tongue.
Cristina volunteered at the Women’s Exchange for 25 years. She loved working with her “shift” and made so many dear friends there. She really enjoyed being able to bring home one of Chef Rev’s flavorful meals to Jack for dinner. Even though she was an amazing cook, she was always delighted to take the night off. Cristina loved going out – to the Memphis Symphony, an art showing at Dixon Gallery, a performance of Opera Memphis, the movies or dinner at a favorite restaurant, especially with friends (and a glass of Chardonnay or Prosecco). Cristina had a flair for fashion and would be impeccably dressed for any of these occasions. She was also an avid reader and a great source for book recommendations.
Cristina loved her grandchildren so much and adored being with them at countless school and sporting events, family beach vacations, dinners, days at the farm in Mississippi, decorating her delicious gingerbread cookies, and casual visits in the backyard or sitting at the breakfast room table snacking on her fabulous homemade brownies and chocolate chip cookies.
Although Cristina was in great shape and very healthy, she was diagnosed in 2020 with a meningioma and underwent surgery and radiation. She physically and mentally struggled after this, especially in her last few months. The family is so grateful for the loving and compassionate care from Bessie Mosby and the staff at Trezevant Terrace. Bessie was an incredible blessing to Cristina and, after she moved to Trezevant, Bessie stayed with her 5 days a week for 12 hours a day. Cristina passed away on August 13, 2022 with her family by her side as she took her last breath.
Cristina leaves behind her husband Jack Ward, children Anthony (Stephenie) Ward, Julie (Scott) Fleming, Derek (Leslie) Ward and grandchildren Stephen Varnado, Christopher Varnado, John Anthony Ward IV, William Varnado, Sarah Ward, Henry Ward, Robert Ward, Christian Ward, Rachel Ward, and her older brother Brian Walton.
Visitation will be Friday, August 19 from 5:30-7:30 at St. Louis Church. The funeral will be Saturday, August 20 at 1:00 at St. Louis Church. Immediately following the service there will be a gathering at the home of Stephenie and Anthony Ward.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to St. Louis Catholic Church, Women’s Exchange of Memphis, or the Humane Society of Memphis.
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