Marialena Coco Ward

Aiken – Mrs. Marialena Coco Ward, 53, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

She was born Marialena Chiara Coco at Holy Redeemer Hospital on March 4, 1971, to Joseph and the late Louise Coco. She was baptized April 11, 1971 at St. Dominics Church in Philadelphia. She graduated Lansdale School of Cosmetology in 1993, and worked as a cosmetologist in PA, VA, and SC as late as 2023. She received a B.S. in Physical Education Fitness/Wellness in 2008 from Limestone College, was a member of the National Academy of Sports Medicine, was a certified trainer since October, 2015 working as a seniors fitness trainer, was a fitness coach for Nifty After Fifty, and the YMCA’s in Cherokee and Greenville. She also coached girls basketball as well.

Marialena homeschooled our child for several years, and taught middle school math for two years at South Aiken Baptist Christian School. She co-authored a book titled, “Be Healed” with her friend Channing Walker, who passed away in 2017. She also has published articles in a wellness magazine. She finished the book and published in 2020, and then began working as an editor. She studied and obtained her realtor’s license in 2023.

She was kindhearted, compassionate, and considerate beyond our comprehension.

Marialena is survived by her beloved husband, Edward Ward; their son, Caleb Ward; her father, Joseph (Doris) Coco; brother, Joey (Piper) Coco; mother in law, Barbara Ward; sister in law Evelyn Daves; godfather, Anthony (Debra) Coco; godmother, Genevieve (Thomas) Weyandt; aunts and uncles, Donna, Anthony, Jenny, a big Italian family, five close cousins, and numerous extended family members.  In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by an uncle, Mario.

A Celebration of Life for Marialena will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Mercy Church with Pastor Kenny Murphy officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.  The service will be livestreamed at the following link:  https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/585060

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Stand at the Crossroads Ministries (https://crossroadsaiken.com/)

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC