Decades of memories come alive at James Ward Elementary School’s 150th anniversary celebration

Decades of memories come alive at James Ward Elementary School’s 150th anniversary celebration

CHICAGO — Rose Marie Ruggiero, who goes by Cookie, and Mary Reusz, now affectionately known as Grandma Mary, go way back. “I lived right across the alley from her grandmother,” Reusz said. “Her grandmother had a cherry tree, and I used to go and steal cherries from the tree.” Along with building humorous memories at home, the ladies, now in their 90s, also shared unforgettable times at James Ward Elementary School. “The teachers were always so g…