Elmina "Mina" Jo Ward passed away on, Saturday December 31, 2022, from cancer at 61 years of age.  Mina was loved by many and will be forever missed. Although her life on earth may have come to an early end, her beautiful spirit will live on through her family & friends.

A Gilroy native, Mina was born on November 30, 1961, to Eugene and Mary Julia "Judy" Ward. She attended Gilroy elementary schools and was a graduate of the Gilroy High School Class of 1980.  She attended Gavilan College getting her cosmetology degree and opened her own beauty shop in Gilroy. Years later she attended Hartnell College for her AS degree in Animal Health Technology.  A licensed RVT Mina worked at clinics in Hollister & Salinas before finding a home at Gilroy Veterinary Hospital. Over the last 30 years she has loved all your animals.  She was always bringing home animals, George the 3-legged cat, Bubbles the horse & a variety of dogs with health issues that she loved and nurtured!  She loved traveling, whether it was to Lake Tahoe, Hawaii, Alaska or to several different countries throughout the years with her parents or friends. One of her favorite spots was in the Azores, Portugal where she enjoyed the Vinho Verde and beautiful blue hydrangeas.  She always encouraged and loved our family gatherings.

Mina is survived by her longtime companion; Bryan Blazek, sisters & brother in-laws; Margene & Rhon Martin, Mandy Bertero & Joe Benavides, brother; Gregg Ward, nieces & nephew in-laws; Stefanie & David Pinheiro, Lauren Bertero & Jorge Sanchez, nephews; Kevin Bertero, Alexander Benavides, and Thomas & Melissa Mangano, great nieces & nephews; Brittney, Donavyn, Natalia, Leo & Luka.

A memorial will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 10:30am at Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 Fourth Street, Gilroy, CA.  Reception to follow at the IFDES Portuguese Hall, 250 Old Gilroy St., Gilroy CA 95020.  In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate to any Animal organization of your choice in her name.