Phyllis Marie Ward

Phyllis Marie Ward (Egan) nee O’Connor - 87, of Halifax, Nova Scotia passed away peacefully Monday, November 22 2010 at home. Born in Cartwright, Manitoba, she was the daughter of Adrian O’Connor and Clara O’Connor (nee Tame). An accomplished professional and a modern woman long before such term was in vogue, Phyllis Marie Ward (nee: O’Connor; previously Phyllis Marie Egan) was a graduate of St. Mary’s Academy in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Phyllis began her long career in government administration with the Government of Manitoba in the period immediately following the Second Word War. Phyllis joined the City of East Kildonan in 1952, where she held a series of increasingly senior positions, culminating in that of Senior City Clerk, with responsibility for attending to the administrative responsibilities for the City Council. She was instrumental in effecting much of the operational details surrounding the amalgamation of the City of East Kildonan into the City of Winnipeg in the period 1971-1972. Phyllis remained with the City of Winnipeg as Clerk to the City Council and several standing committees until her retirement in 1983. Phyllis was an Honourary Life Member of the City of Winnipeg Police Service Veterans Association, a member of the YMCA "Eager Beavers", East Kildonan, and a willing volunteer at the Good Neighbours Retirement Centre as Secretary to the Board of Directors from 1993-2000. Following her retirement and subsequent very happy marriage to Richard Ward, Phyllis re-located to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2000. Phyllis's professional accomplishments were many. Those who were fortunate enough to know her, however, will remember what a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother she was. Her family meant the world to her, especially her beloved son James, grandson Griffin, and dear husband Richard, who were her pride and joy. Phyllis was first and foremost devoted to the happiness and success of her family. Phyllis was gracious and kind, balanced with a meticulous, detail-oriented, and competitive spirit, never more evident than when playing a game of bridge. She travelled extensively but always enjoyed the family get-togethers at White Point Resort with the Ward/Egan/Bouchard families. She lived an envious life, a person who faced all her challenges with a dignity and grace to be admired. She gave of herself tirelessly, in caring for her first husband James D. Egan through his years of illness. She believed in the power of a good education, always encouraging and supporting her son James, and in turn grandson Griffin. Phyllis instilled in her family the values that she lived by: productive and fulfilling work, love of family and friends, and thinking of others first. She gave us many years of happy memories and endless love, and we will treasure her gifts to us always. She is survived by her husband, Richard A. Ward, son James. P. Egan, brother Harold O’Connor, grandchildren Griffin J. Egan, and step-grandchildren Ryan D. Potter and Amy Helbren (nee Potter). Phyllis also leaves behind her loving daughter-in-law, Karen L. Egan. She is predeceased by James. D. Egan, her first husband, who passed away in 1985. The family wishes to thank Dr. Graeme Bethune, Roz Benoit, Donna Bellefontaine, Verilie Tyson, and Dian Griffiths and the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON Halifax) for their excellent care and compassion to Phyllis and her family. Donations may be made to The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON Halifax), or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. Please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com.