MAXINE H. WARD

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MAXINE H. WARD February 6, 1927 - April 26, 2016 Born to Percy and Winifred Carter (nee Harris), Maxine grew up in the north end of Winnipeg with her sister, Sylva. At Baptist youth camp, Maxine's attractive smile and beautiful soprano voice caught the attention of Bill Ward. They were married in 1949 and soon after followed two boys and a girl. Her life was deeply impacted by her Christian faith. Every Sunday found her in the choir loft at Broadway-First Baptist Church. In later years, she was music coordinator and an elder at Willowlake Baptist. Though she didn't consider herself to be a public speaker, her willingness to share her story opened doors with Christian Women's Club and Faith At Work. A passion for prayer and interest in healing led her and Bill to participate in Formation for Healing Ministry. Maxine was an active volunteer in her home church, Parr Street Mission, P.E.O., Camp Shanti, Covenant Home, B.U.W.C. As a double breast cancer survivor she shared her gift of mercy through Reach for Recovery. One beautiful thread that ran through the fabric of her entire life was the dearly loved family cottage in Gimli. Maxine was gentle, soft, kind, patient, and generous. She loved people and wanted to bring joy and comfort into their lives. Her example encouraged you to be the best you could be. Her marriage to Bill, for over 50 years, was a beautiful example of love, forgiveness and being there' for each other. As helpmates they complimented each other's gifts. Their Christian commitment mentored others on their journey. She was the best wife, mother, mother-in-law and friend anyone could ask for. She lived her final years with the help of the loving, supportive staff of Donwood Manor. Even until the end her essence shone through her dementia. Maxine is survived by her children: Doug (Meredith) of Kanata, ON, Don (Sheri) of Winnipeg, MB, Evelyn (Bert) of Petrolia, ON; and the very best grandmother to: Lydia (Kevin), Jennifer, Laura (Peter John), Katie (Tom), Meghan (Paul), Cameron (Angela), Lukas and Matthew; and great-grands: Carter, Jacob, Maya, Jadon, Brienna, Benjamin and Ezra. You are invited to her Celebration of Life, June 15, 1:30 p.m. at Willowlake Baptist Church, 45 Willowlake Cres., Winnipeg. Donations to Siloam Mission www.siloam.ca are appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 30, 2016