Our hearts are heavy as we share the passing of Miriam “Mim” Dustin Ward, age 91, who left us peacefully on Friday, February 13 at her home, surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Mim was born on February 11, 1935, in Bellows Falls, Vermont, the daughter of Frank Carlton and Doris Buswell Dustin. A lifelong resident of Alstead, New Hampshire, Mim was the beloved matriarch of the Ward family, one of Alstead’s most well‑known and longstanding families.

Mim met the love of her life, Erwin Walter Ward, when she was a young girl and he was the slightly older boy who lived just a few houses down the road. Their romance blossomed quickly, and before leaving to serve in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, Erwin proposed. Their love story became legendary in their small community, and it endured for more than 70 years.

Upon Erwin’s return from the war, the two were married on June 20, 1953, and together welcomed their children: Brenda Anne (1956), Wendy Sue (1957), and Bruce Erwin (1958).

Mim enjoyed a successful 30‑plus‑year career with the Mortenson Insurance and Financial Agency in Walpole, NH. She was known for her warm personality, exceptional client service, and impeccable sense of style – often seen in heels, elegant outfits, matching jewelry, and bright lipstick.

Her faith was central in her life. Mim was an active member of the 3rd Congregational Church in Alstead, where she sang in the choir, and belonged to the women’s guild.

A devoted and loving mother, Mim opened her heart – and her home – to many children in the community. But her favorite role, by far, was that of grandmother and great‑grandmother, a chapter she embraced with joy and boundless energy.

In retirement, Mim and Erwin cherished afternoons at the Ward family camp on the Cold River, where they listened to the river, watched grandchildren swim and fish, visited with friends, and marveled at bald eagles overhead.

Mim was giving, generous, humble, and grounded. Her family was her legacy, and she reminded those around her, often and lovingly, what truly matters: love, family, acceptance, and grace. She was one of a kind, and one of Alstead’s last “grand ladies.”

Mim was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Doris, her beloved husband, Erwin, her daughter, Brenda, and her granddaughter, Krystee Lee.

She is survived by her brother, Dale Dustin, and his life partner, Pat; her children, Wendy, and her life partner, Paul; Bruce and his wife, Melony; and her son‑in‑law, Richard Hayman and his wife, Karen.

She leaves behind five grandchildren and their spouses: Melissa (Tim), Jeremy (Caitlin), Kyle (Beth), Angela, and Garrett (Katelyn); as well as eleven great‑grandchildren: William, Emily, Kamryn, Mason, Calihan, Faith, Clara, Macie, Scarlet, Aubrey, and Carter; and a twelfth great‑grandchild arriving later this year. Mim is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and several very dear family friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 PM at the Third Congregational Church, River Street, Alstead, NH.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The ALS Association Northern New England Chapter, 10 Ferry Street, Suite 438, Concord, NH 03301 or Live Free Outpatient Rehab, 17 Kit Street, Keene, NH 03431.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.