Obituary of M. H. Jean Ward

Martha Hilda "Jean" Ward born in Corner Brook Nfld on 22 June 1930, passed away at Saint John Regional hospital on Monday 16 October. Jean was the youngest child of Charles and Sadie Welshman. Jean was an adventurer and, at the age of 26, she married Willie Ward,another adventurer, and sailor from Liverpool, England. Two years later, in 1958, Stephen was born and Jean left her Newfoundland family behind to live in Surrey, England just south of London. After 8 years in Surrey, where Jean made many life-long friends, she moved with Willie and Stephen to Saint John New Brunswick where Willie went to work for Kent Lines. Within a year, Willie and Jean bought Shadow Lawn, a British style Inn in Rothesay N.B. This was the fulfillment of their dream. As small business owners, they were dedicated to the business and it was 8 years before they took another vacation. While Willie greeted the guests, Jean was behind the scenes, cooking and ensuring all was spic and span, ready for the guests. Jean was a kind, loyal and strong woman. Together with Willie, they built an very successful business and made hundreds of friends along the way. In 1989 and 1991 her 2 grandchildren, Alanna and Sam, were born and Jean had a new passion in her life. As her 2 grandchildren lived next door, she was their "Nanny" and they were her pride and joy. The family wishes to thank Debbie White (special hugs) and Kings County Home Care Services for their assistance in respecting Jean’s wishes to remain in her home as long as possible. By Jean’s request there will be no visitation. A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at Saint David’s United Church at 3:00 pm on Thursday October 19th and the family would love to host you at Shadow Lawn after the service. Thanks to Jamie Gallagher and staff who has been there for our family through many transitions.