MARJORIE GERTRUDE WARD

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MARJORIE GERTRUDE WARD May 9, 1920 - August 19, 2016 Marjorie Gertrude Ward (nee Webster) passed away in Kelowna, B.C. on August 19, at the age of 96 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her sister Vera Webster and niece Jean Roth, both of Winnipeg, and many treasured friends in the Okanagan Valley who she considered extended family. Marjorie was predeceased by her husband, John Edward Jack' Ward; parents G. Frank and Amy Gertrude Webster; and sister Joyce and brother-in-law Alfred Roth. Marjorie was born, raised and educated in Winnipeg. During The Second World War, 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 in both Winnipeg and Ottawa. Her longest and much loved employment was working at St. John's College, Winnipeg from 1951 until her retirement in 1980. During those years she served as Registrar of the College, Secretary to the Warden and to St. John's College Council. In 1975 Marge was made an Honorary Fellow of the College and in 1980 the annual Marjorie Ward Lecture was established in her honour. After retiring to B.C., Marge rejoined the workforce for five years in the newly created position of Admissions Officer at Okanagan College where she left an indelible mark on the young institution. During her life in Winnipeg, Marge was a member of St. Luke's Anglican Church, notably the AYPA and choir. She was a member of the Philharmonic Choir for 15 years, serving as its secretary and treasurer. From the late 30's and onward, many carefree summer days were spent at the Webster cottage at Wade, Ontario (Fox Lake). In 1966 Marge wed Jack Ward. After 14 happy years in Winnipeg the call of the Okanagan beckoned Jack home and he convinced Marge to relocate out west; first, in Winfield then Kelowna, B.C. He passed away on August 18, 1995 in Kelowna. During the next 21 years of her life, Marge travelled extensively, was a proud and active member of The Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels, 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 a voracious reader and loved attending symphony and theatre performances. The last seven years of her life were spent at Orchard Manor where she was a well-loved resident and was able to continue to do many of the things she enjoyed. 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 Webster family plot at St. John's Cathedral Cemetery, Winnipeg (date to be published later). If friends desire donations in Marjorie's memory may be made to St. John's College, 92 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg MB R3T 2M5. First Memorial Funeral Services 1211 Sutherland Ave Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 5Y2 www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 27, 2016