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Nell Leona Ward

1916-2015

Nell Leona Ward

"Real joy comes not from riches or praise of others,

but from doing something worthwhile."

 

That was the generous, thoughtful attitude of our aunt, Nell Ward, who passed away January 5, 2015, at age 98 in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, while being cared for by family and friends. She was a determined lady who grew up during the "hard times" and, wanting adventure in her life, joined the WAC’s – a women’s volunteer organization that existed as auxiliaries in the armed services during the First World War and the Second World War. More than 21,000 women joined the effort, Nell was one doing her part for Canada. She was the recipient of the Defense Medal, War Medal, Canadian Centennial Medal 1967, Canadian Forces Medal and Clasp and the Queen’s Coronation Medal and later, in 2005, also received a Recognition Award for her service as a veteran from the Premier of Nova Scotia. Nell was also a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Ortona Branch No. 69, Berwick and just received her 50 year service award. After leaving the war effort as Sergeant Major she chose to accept a two year W/O 2 position at Goose Bay, Labrador. She then returned to Halifax and became the owner and operator of Garden Hairstyling in Halifax. She maintained this position for a period of 30 years and retired to the valley where she took up gardening, toll painting, supporting the lost and neglected animals in the area, bingo, the Blue Jays Baseball games, along with other interesting hobbies. She was never one to sit still, life did not pass her by. Not only did she have her "cat house" in the back yard for the stray animals, she supported many SPCA’s around the country, the Bide-A-While Animal Shelter, Canadian Wildlife Association, Arthritis Society, Trans Canada Trail, Salvation Army and was a member of the Central Kings Crusaders. Her pet loves were her Pekinese dogs - making special meat loaves and foods for their delicate taste buds. Over the years she also supported needy children through various charitable organizations and was never one to refuse to help others in distress. Nell was predeceased by her parents, Perez "Ted" and Eva Lloyd; sisters, Audrey, Jean and Verba; brothers, Merell (who was killed during the Second World War), Lester and Beverly; two husbands, Thomas Linkletter and Laurie Ward. Nell is also survived by nieces, Susan Helpard, Jill Frizzell, Sandra Caines, Gisele Anderson and Jane Perry; nephews, Barry Helpard (a Godson) and Grant Lloyd as well as nephews in British Columbia (Hale) and Lower Sackville (Lloyd); great nieces and great nephews; special friends, Sylvia Larade and Gert Pineo; loving caregivers, Donna Martin and Gloria Darrah. She will be missed by all who knew her kind hearted but somewhat stringent manner. Many thanks to the staff of Valley Regional Hospital Medical A, ER, nursing staff, the VON Home Care, Dr. Lori Burgess and Paulette Gash at Continuing Care Service. Special thanks to Dr. Peter Goddard, who was a tremendous, caring physician, always ready to support Nell in her times of need, Maders Pharmacy, Coldbrook, who worked diligently with the doctors to ensure medications were always on time. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation by request. A Royal Canadian Legion Tribute Service, followed by a reception, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2015 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. A private family interment will take place in the Cambridge Cemetery at a later date. Donations in memory may be made to the Kings County SPCA or to the Bide-A-While Animal Shelter. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. 

Service Date
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Service Time
2:00 p.m.
Service Location
White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, NS

Visitation Location
There will be no visitation, by request

Burial Location
Cambridge Cemetery, Kings County, NS - At a later date

Requested Charity
Kings County S.P.C.A or the Bide-A-White Animal Shelter