Mary Isabel WARD

WARD, Mary Isabel
(nee: Sneddon)
May 8, 1927 – August 27, 2017
Mary passed away peacefully at the age of 90, in Edmonton. She is survived by her sons Dennis, Roger (Elaine) and George (Audrey), her daughter Leslie (Kirk), grandchildren Jordan (Liz), Suzanne (Darryl), Vic (Shar), Neil and Ian, and numerous nieces, nephews and relatives in Alberta, British Columbia, Britain, Australia, Hong Kong and the United States. Mary was predeceased by her husband Cedric (Brick) Ward in 1996, her parents Thomas and Janet Sneddon, and her brothers Sandy, David
and Bob.
Mary was born in Red Deer, and as a result of Rev. Sneddon's periodic transfers, lived in Haynes, Nordegg, Youngstown, Mayerthorpe and Bonnyville prior to attending the University of Alberta from 1945 to 1947. Her work on an Education degree was interrupted by marriage to teacher Cedric Ward on August 27, 1947. This led to a move back to Red Deer, and starting a family. The births of four children and transfers to Oyen and Sangudo did not deter Mary from pursuit of her degree, and she finally received a BEd. from the University of Alberta in 1965. More transfers followed - first to Ponoka, and finally to Edmonton in 1972, where Mary and Brick settled into his parents' old home on Summit Drive. Work as a school librarian inspired Mary to complete an MEd. in Elementary Education in 1975, and she finished her career at the Faculty of Education Library at the U. of A.
For over forty years Mary was deeply involved in the breeding of prize-winning Siamese and Oriental Shorthair cats, and the offspring from her Summit Mews Cattery are cherished by owners worldwide. She read voraciously, especially "whodunnits" and history, traveled extensively in her retirement, and made many friends in the Aquacise programs at Coronation and Grant McEwan. Mary moved into The Park at Rosedale in the fall of 2015, and resided there, making more friends, until her passing.
From her Lowland Scottish parents Mary inherited small stature, and belief in a loving God, social justice, plain speech and gardening. She was strong, stubborn and devoted to her family, treated her children firmly and fairly, and inspired them to seek higher education, and to do their best in all aspects of their lives. Mary was a lifelong member of the United Church of Canada, and her faith sustained her to the end.
The family are grateful to the residents and staff at Rosedale, the staff of Unit 5 East at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, and the members of St. Andrew's United Church for their care and concern during Mary's final illness.
A Memorial Service for Mary will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at St. Andrew's United Church, 9915 - 148 St., Edmonton. Interment will be in Red Deer, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's memory may be made to the Edmonton Humane Society, Meals on Wheels or the Bissell Centre.
To send condolences, please visit www.fostermcgarvey.com.