Kathleen "Anne" Ward

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the peaceful passing of our darling Anne, of Bedford, on June 17, 2020, at the age of 68 years. Beloved wife, mother and Gran, Anne was adored by all and had a warm smile and an attentive ear for everyone. She loved with her whole heart and never lost her sense of wonder.

Anne was born in Toronto on August 14, 1951 and resided there until the age of 10. In 1961, she moved with her mother and siblings to Cornwall, England where she fell in love with the ocean, the beaches, and The Beatles and Sir Cliff Richard. Three years later the family returned to Canada where she finished her high school education in Peterborough, Ontario and graduated from Peterborough Civic Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse. In 1989, Anne, her husband and 2 daughters moved to Halifax and spent many years living in Wedgewood before eventually moving to Bedford.

Throughout her career as a nurse she continued her education and successfully obtained her BScN from University of Ottawa and her MN from Dalhousie University. Anne ended her career as an Associate Professor at Dalhousie in Halifax teaching Nursing before being forced into early retirement due to Multiple Sclerosis. In the years following, she made numerous trips back to her beloved Cornwall, discovered her love of watercolor painting, and became a licensed Eucharist Minister at St Peter’s Anglican Church Birch Cove where she was a devoted congregant.

She was an adoring mother to her two daughters and found great joy in her grandchildren. Her love was truly unconditional. Anne is survived by her husband of almost 47 years, Douglas Ward; children, Jennifer Ward (Christopher Chang) of New York City and Joanna MacRae (Trevor) of Bedford; 2 grandchildren, Morley Rosaline (Jennifer) and Nolan (Joanna). Also survived by her stepfather, Fred Haywood (Marilyn); sisters Julie Whitby (Doug Penhale) and Sharon Finlay (Jim); brother Thom Whitby (Gord Plumpton); sisters-in-law Mary Bird (Alan) and Barb Johnston (Mike); brother-in-law Donald Ward (Heather) as well as 6 nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her father, Thompson Whitby; mother, Joan Haywood; brother-in-law Bill Johnston.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff on 7.4, especially Megan, Hannah and Shelby. Special thanks to Nurse Practitioner Michelle and Dr. Parks. Also, a very sincere thank you to Dr. Steve Phillips for his compassion and understanding during these difficult times.

A celebration of Anne’s life will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the QEII Foundation or St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Birch Cove, 3 Dakin Drive Halifax.