LEWISTON – The late Cecilia Ward was recently memorialized at a book festival at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with a memoir of her life, titled “The Fragrance of Heliotrope: The Presence of Cecilia,” written by her husband.

Richard J. Ward, a former Bates College professor and now chancellor professor emeritus of the University of Massachusetts, presented the book Nov. 29.

An honor student at Lewiston High School, where her father, John Butler, now deceased, was principal, Cecilia graduated from Trinity College in Washington, D.C., in 1947. She hosted programs for teens as well as programs sponsored by prominent Lewiston businesses for WLAM radio station.

Also honored at the festival were nationally acclaimed authors Andre Dubus, “House of Sand and Fog,” book and film; William Martin, author of eight best-selling novels, including “Harvard Yard;” and X.J. Kennedy, widely published author of award-winning books for children and adults on poetry.

In “The Fragrance of Heliotrope,” Ward celebrates his wife whose lifelong courage in the face of challenging health problems is a testament to living a long, full life.

A woman of faith, charm, empathy and talent, Cecilia managed her insulin dependent diabetes for 42 years while raising a family and maintaining an active social life and an adventurous professional career in the United States and abroad.

Ward leads readers through Cecilia’s life, from the circumstances of when they first met to her death in the middle of the night. He also chronicles his grief upon losing Cecilia and offers advice for those struggling with loneliness after the loss of a cherished family member.

Part love story, part elegy, “The Fragrance of Heliotrope” is, above all, a story of inspiration.

Ward has also written his memoir, “Grampas Are For All Seasons.”

For more information, visit www.richardjward or the publisher’s Web site, www.authorhouse.com.