FRANCES CECILIA WARD

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FRANCES CECILIA WARD Surrounded by the love and care of her family, Frances Ward, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on October 2, 2015. Mom will be greatly missed by her two sons, Robert Ward (Valerie), Tom Ward (Patricia); her two daughters, Frances Krempin (Werner), Rosemary Vinke (Roy); her grandchildren Jason (Amanda), Dan (Tracy), Jennifer (Ainslie), Mathew (Julie), Candace (Matt), Kristen, Michael, Megan, Kevin (Tessa), and her great-grandchildren Alex, Amelia, Justin, Calista, Brooke, Dylan, Sara, Olivia, Madelyn and Ryan. Mom was predeceased in 2011 by her husband and great love of 69 years, Robert. She was also predeceased by her parents Arthur and Catherine Delaney, her four brothers, John, Joseph, Lorne, Tom; her five sisters, Rosemary, Margaret, Mona, Agnes and Anita, and her brothers-in-law Marb (Ruth) Ward and Jack Ward. Mom was born in Winnipeg, MB on July 30, 1918. Mom always wanted to be a nurse and after graduating from St. Mary's Academy, she then entered the school of nursing and graduated from St. Josephs as a Registered Nurse. It was actually during her graduation that she met Dad. Mom's date for her graduation had broken his leg and so his best friend, Robert, was asked if he would like to accompany his date to her nursing graduation. Dad was not too sure about this blind date situation, but when Dad took one look at Mom the rest is history. They were married November 18, 1942. It was the Second World War and Dad was enlisted in the Air Force and stationed in Trenton, ON. Mom and Dad lived in Trenton until Dad was shipped out and sent to England. Not to be left at home, Mom joined the American Red Cross as a civilian nurse. Mom was stationed in Italy and given the job of setting up orphanages for displaced and orphaned children. As nursing was one of Mom's great passions in life she excelled in her care for the soldiers and the compassion she felt for the families. She had a great love and fondness for the babies and children she looked after in her camp, and had many fond memories of that time. When the War ended in 1945 they decided to stay in Germany as Dad had become the director of UNRRA, United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, which was stationed in Germany. Here they started their family, as it was in Germany that their two sons were born. In 1950 Mom and Dad decided it was time to return home to Canada and re-establish their life in Winnipeg. Mom continued in her nursing career working at Misericordia Hospital as Director of Nursing for several years. Mom also had a very kind and respectful manner with elderly people, as one of her great characteristics was her love for those who were the most vulnerable. Mom became the Director of Nursing at The Jewish Retirement Home and had many memorable times with her senior residents. In her later working years Mom entered the Administrative side of Nursing and became the Director of Up John ParaMedical Institute. Later she decided to go into business for herself in the Paramedical field and continued until her retirement. Mom was very active in the Church and spent many years with the C.W.L. (Catholic Women's League) holding various positions, including President. She was a great organizer and put on many a Fall Supper, and many fundraisers for the Church. She made many great friends and enjoyed her years and projects with the C.W.L. Mom was a very creative person, who could make a beautiful centerpiece and table setting out of almost anything. Mom enjoyed music; singing or listening. She was a member of the Seniors Choir for many years, she sang with the Manitoba Opera and was always in the Church Choir. She loved music and had a lovely Soprano voice. After retirement Mom and Dad enjoyed their many holidays in Puerto Vallarta. They would always look forward to family members joining them in Mexico. Mom had great times with her grandchildren and children, and had many wonderful times with the friends that she made in Mexico. Prayers will be held October 20, 2015 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. at Mary Mother of the Church, 85 Kirkbridge Drive, Winnipeg, MB. Luncheon to follow in the Parish Hall. Interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery, 4000 Portage Ave., Winnipeg. Mom loved her family and could always be counted on for unfailing support. She will be truly missed and forever in our hearts. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 17, 2015