Marjorie Gertrude Ward

Ward (nee Webster)- Marjorie Gertrude Ward passed away on August 19, 2016, age 96 years. Marjorie was born (1920) and raised and educated in Winnipeg. During WWII, she was a civilian clerk with the Royal Canadian Air Force, thereafter, served as secretary to the Superintendent of the Indian and Eskimo Residential School Commission. Her longest and much treasured time was working at St John’s College in Winnipeg from 1951 until 1980. During those years she was promoted from Secretary to the Registrar of the College. When Marge retired from St John’s, the institution honoured her long and dedicated service by implementing the annual Marjorie Ward Lecture Series which continues to be held every year. She and husband Jack moved west to retire in 1980 but, while building their new home in Winfield, Marge saw an advertisement in the paper for a new position at Okanagan College (Admissions Officer) and decided that the position was a good match, she was hired on the spot and spent an additional five years at the young institution where she left an indelible mark. The Principal of the College at the time said they were so fortunate to find someone of her calibre to fill the position and another Senior Administrator commented at her 80th birthday that the “level of appropriate, correct English increased substantially during her tenure.” During the next 31 years of her life, Marge travelled extensively, was a proud and active member of the Anglican Church, volunteered in primary schools helping children read, was involved in the creation of the Friends of the Library, had many wonderful friends and enjoyed an active social life. She was also a member of the church choir, was a voracious reader and loved attending the symphony and theatre performances. Marge spent the last seven years of her life at Orchard Manor where she was a well-loved resident and was able to continue to do many of the things she enjoyed in life. The day before she passed, she said “I’ve had a very good day today” and “I am so lucky.” She continued to smile and to thank everyone until her last few hours on earth. Survived by sister, Vera Webster and niece Jean Roth, and pre-deceased by husband John Edward ‘Jack‘ Ward; parents G. Frank and Amy Gertrude Webster and sister, Joyce and brother-in-law Alfred Roth. In accordance with Marjorie’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held in Kelowna. Internment will take place in the family plot at St John’s Cathedral Cemetery, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com. Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna. 250-762-2299