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SHIRLEY MARIE JOAN WARD
Date of Passing: Nov 27, 2024
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
SHIRLEY MARIE JOAN WARD
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our devoted, loving Mother on November 27, 2024.
Left to cherish her memory and love are her children, Steven (Anita), Lori (Garry Funk), David, Kelly (Brenda), son-in-law Tony Merkl, adopted daughter Allison Cass (Barry), siblings, Cecile Cowley, Marilyn Lodewyks, Doreen and Walter Eby, Robert and Mary Lamblin, sisters-in-law, Florence McCormack and Eleanor Ward, grandchildren, Erin (Daniel), Connor (Davilyn), Chloe (Santiago), Jeffrey, Kyle (Neelam), Matthew (Navi), Shawn (Charlene), Devon (Jennifer), Jamie Lee, Ashley, and Jason. Shirley also leaves many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews and their partners, great-grandchildren, and great-nieces and nephews.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband Derrol F. Ward, son Derrol W. Ward, daughter Kimberly Ward-Merkl, grandson Tommy Ward-Merkl, brothers-in-law, Dave Cowley, Gus Lodewyks and Vernon McCormack, niece Cathy VanNest, great-great-nephew Finnley Van Nest, nephew Kurt Eby, parents, Rita (nee Heroux) and Pierre Lamblin and in-laws, Ellen (nee Francis) and Horace Ward.
Mom was born and spent the early years of her life in Lundar, Manitoba until the Great Depression when they moved with Grandma Heroux lock, stock and barrel to St. Vital to start a new life. Times were hard and everyone contributed to gardening, canning, and working at various jobs even plucking chickens at five cents a chicken! These were tough times but with aunts, uncles, and cousins living next door there were also many fond memories of kitchen parties with honkytonk music, singing, dancing and jigging with family and friends. Mom always loved to dance!
As a teen, Mom fibbed about her age and started her first job at the Grain Exchange working the switchboard, then as a mail girl at Great West Life, then Misericordia Hospital. Mom was energetic, organized, hardworking, and loved these jobs and recalled having “great fun” working and making new friends for life. Mom went on to become a valued office staff at Burnaby Hospital, BC, Calgary Foothills Hospital, and Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB, retiring in 1998.
In High School at Glenlawn Collegiate, Mom met the love of her life, Derry Ward, who also loved music and dancing! Married for over 50 years, they shared six children who moved across several provinces. Mom kept the family organized, efficient, and loved until her last breath. Her family was the center of her life and her unending hard work, love and sense of humour was the anchor in all of our lives.
Mom loved to travel. Whether it involved moving, taking business trips with Dad, or travelling back and forth across the country every summer to come “home” to Winnipeg and the cottage at Wallace Lake. When her son Derrol became a flight attendant, he would call mom and say, “Pack your bags Shirl, we’re going on a trip!” Mom was hooked and enjoyed many adventures travelling with family and friends.
Family, Friends, and Faith were the foundation of Mom’s life. The Catholic Church was the anchor in her life that gave her the strength, hope, and support throughout all of life’s joys and sorrows. She worked tirelessly for the Catholic Women’s League, serving many roles including President, throughout her life. The family would like to thank Father Greg Mulligan and Mom’s prayer and church community for all their support during the past years and at present while we celebrate Mom’s life and herald her home to Eternal Life.
Don’t cry for me, I’m not gone.
My soul is at rest, My heart lives on,
Light a candle for me to see,
And hold onto my memory,
But save your tears for I’m still here,
By your side through the years.
“Love you lots”
As per Shirley’s request cremation has taken place and a Funeral Mass will be held in her honour on Friday, December 6, 2024, 7:00 p.m., St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, 315 Munroe Ave., Winnipeg. MB. Coffee Reception to follow in Church Hall. Interment to held at a later date
If friends so desire, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation cancercare.mb.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 03, 2024
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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We met Shirley through the Brain Injury Association when they joined to support their son. Such a beautiful wonderful lady. We are so sorry to hear this news of her passing. Sending our love and prayers. -Glen & Val Bergeron - Posted by: Valerie Bergeron (friends) on: Dec 19, 2024
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I met Mama Ward when I worked in the Infant Lab at West Kildonan Collegiate. She was definitely loved by all the staff and students……and especially by the babies. Mama Ward was a Beautiful Lady… inside and out. My condolences to the family….you were all so Blessed to have such a wonderful Matriarch in your family. - Posted by: Cathie Haworth (Friend/coworker) on: Dec 07, 2024
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To a strong, loving, and faithful lady. We were very fortunate when we moved to 451 Edison to have two wonderful neighbours. We became very supported friends to each other the first time we met. Shirley was a very strong willed friend who did not want to ask for help but she was always there if we needed her or David. We had a lot of special moments and I miss my neighbours. Every time I come home now I look at the door of the sweet they lived in. There was only one thing Shirley ever wanted and that was for David to be taken care of when she could no longer care for him. David, seeing that you had adjusted to your new home and having Laurie there for you, made it easier for her to rest in peace. - Posted by: Maureen and Andy Onofreychuk (Friends) on: Dec 06, 2024
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Because they lived in Winnipeg we didn’t get to see a lot of her but when she came out to visit family or our family went to their place in Winnipeg we got to see them. My sincere condolences to all her family I know she remembered my dad and mom. Uncle Lyman and Aunty Pearl. Lots of Music in our home with my Dad’s Uncles. - Posted by: Brenda Tegelberg (Heroux) (3rd cousin Lyman Heroux’s daughter from Eriksdale ) on: Dec 03, 2024
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Tony, Erin & Connor, so sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. I remember meeting her when she was with Kim and Tony at different functions that Connor and Shawn were involved in, she was a very nice lady. - Posted by: Elaine Thidri (Friend of family) on: Dec 03, 2024
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Dear Kelly, Brenda, Kyle and Matthew; We are sending our love and many hugs as we learn of Shirley's passing. May she rest in peace and her memories be a blessing. - Posted by: Kelly Kingra (Friends ) on: Dec 03, 2024
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On behalf of our mom, Janet Garton, we offer our condolences on the loss of Shirley. Janet and our dad (Bob) enjoyed many years of being Derry and Shirley’s next door neighbour at Wallace Lake. Colleen Goldie and Tim Garton - Posted by: Janet Garton (Friend) on: Dec 03, 2024
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My sincere condolences to Shirley’s family. - Posted by: Helena Grandmont (Marilyn’s friend and Cousin to Gus Lodewyks ) on: Dec 03, 2024
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I have met her a couple of times through my husband (Gerald Unger) who has also passed away. She was a great person who came from an extraordinarily kind and lovely family. I know she will be missed very much by all who knew her. - Posted by: Karen Loney-Unger (Husband's cousin) on: Dec 03, 2024
