Marie Elaine Kopszywa Ward, age 84, passed away peacefully at her home on May 20, 2026.

She was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, raised on Point Cadet and graduated from Biloxi High School in 1959. She was a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She married George Ward in August of 1961, and they had three children, George Jr., James and Angela.

Marie was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 2434 serving as Auxiliary President several times and was State President 1997-1998.

She loved plants and sunflowers and enjoyed collecting giraffes and angels.

She had a beautiful smile that radiated any time her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were around. She was proud to be “Maw-Maw” and “Re-Re”. She will be forever missed.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Jr. & Madeline Kopszywa, husband, George Ward, Sr., son, George Ward, Jr., Granddaughter, Amanda Ward, Grandson, Jimmy Ward, Jr., Great-Granddaughter, Eden Bosarge and sister, Barbara Kopszywa Fournier.

Marie is survived by her children, son, James “Jimmy” (Amy) Ward, Sr., daughter, Angela “Angie” (Al) Bosarge, many grandchildren & great-grandchildren, siblings, Carol (Beau) Buisson, Angie (Harry) Wheeler, Madeline (Steve) Stephenson and Eddie Kopszywa, III. She is also survived by a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, MS, is honored to serve the family.