Erin Renee Ward

Erin Renee Ward, age 35, left this world January 21, 2017, to find peace and serenity after a long battle with addiction. Erin was born in Akron, Ohio on May 20, 1981 to Larry and Wendy (nee Kirk) Ward.

Erin made her mark from day one. Her piercing blue eyes, beautiful smile, infectious laugh and hilariously sarcastic sense of humor made an impression family and friends will never forget. She was a gifted gymnast, athlete and later, a writer of raw, original poetry and narrative. Erin was an adventurous free-spirit who always stood up for the underdog, her convictions; good, bad and indifferent and never conformed to the status quo. The best part of her legacy is her two daughters, Jerzi and Emani.

Erin is survived by her parents, Larry Ward and Wendy (Roger) Klein, sister, Megan Ward, daughters, Jerzi and Emani, fiance, Joe Goodrich, and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 28, 2017, at 2:00 PM at Newcomers Funeral Home, 131 North Canton Road, Akron where family and friends may visit from Noon until the time of the service.

This is a poem that Erin wrote:

Puddles of sadness rain down my face
Then I tell myself the wonderful other side you get to embrace
Laughter and love is all you'll ever feel now
A guardian angel with wings
I know you'll always be looking down
When times were rough you were always there with open arms
Even though you can't be seen
I know you'll always be close and never too far