Margaret Elizabeth Ward of Wellfleet died on Dec. 11, 2020 at age 81. The cause was complications of lung cancer, said her son, Sean.

Margaret was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to the late Francis Xavier and Agnes Bruton. The second of four children, she grew up in Park Slope, was an avid fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, and graduated from Salve Regina University with a bachelor of arts degree.

Over her career of 30 years, Margaret was first a teacher at P.S. 188 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and later ran New York City’s after-school program. After retiring to Wellfleet, she established the Wellfleet Childcare Association and its after-school program and served as its first principal. She also was a successful fundraiser for the Wellfleet Alzheimer’s Association, an important mission for her and a valuable contribution to her final home.

Margaret had an extraordinary devotion to children. It didn’t matter where the child was from. If she could help, she would. She also loved the New York Times crossword puzzle, the New York Yankees and New York Giants, Jeopardy, supporting Cape Cod artists, and spending time with her dog, Ziggy. Margaret was known for her strength of character, her love for her family, and her kind and compassionate spirit.

Margaret was preceded in death by her brother, Frank, her husband, Bill, and her long-time companion, Baillie. She is survived by her son, Sean Ward, and wife Joyce of California; by her sister Mary and husband Jerry Houk of Wellfleet and their children, Adam and Holly; by her sister Ann and husband Bob Brierton of Johnstown, Pa. and their children, Margaret, Elizabeth, and Kathryn; and by her sister-in-law Peggy Bruton and her children, FX, Meg, Courtney, Heather, and Daniel; as well as by family friend Milo Zwerling and many nieces and nephews.

For condolences, visit mykeeper.com/profile/MargaretWard/. Donations in Margaret’s name may be made to UNICEF (unicefusa.org).