June 4, 1933 – July 13, 2021
We are very saddened to announce the passing of our mom, Annette Ward. She will be greatly missed by her daughters Laurie McNabb (Gary) and Janice Sawatsky (Ray). She was immensely proud of her 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren: Sheldon McNabb (Suzanne), Chase, Jaslyn; Trever McNabb (Christine), Avery, Shea; Darin McNabb (Jennifer), Kari, Hunter; Chandra Clark (Cory), Maicy, Beckam; Taneil Holinaty (Zenon), Emerie, Liviana; Kelsey Rebryna (Mitchell); Matthew Sawatsky (Kurtis Pratt).
Annette is also survived by her sister Betty Ann Dunlap, brother Peter Reiber (Sylvia), brother-in-law Tommy Ward, along with many nieces and nephews and their families.
Mom was predeceased by her husband Elof Ward, son Donald Ward, sister and brother-in-law Rita and Tommy Powell, brother-in-law Tom Dunlap, parents Anna and Andrew Reiber and many of the Ward relatives.
After finishing high school, Annette trained at St Paul’s as a lab technician. This was a career she loved but did not stay in as she soon became a farmer’s wife, mother, and homemaker. She was also a long-time resident of the Vanscoy Community. Some of her many interests included painting, crafting, golfing, fishing, and playing cards with her friends. She always had time for her routine phone calls from some of her closest friends such as Nancy Sparrow, Eleanor Guina, Joyce Richmond, and Evalene Sanders – just to mention a few.
Mom loved gardening, she would organize and direct the planting of a large yearly vegetable garden. She also took great joy in watching her flower beds blossom, particularly her lilies which are all tagged and labelled. She shared this joy with her grandson Matthew who cross pollinated some of her favourite lilies. Mom was able to enjoy one of these new creations this year which Matthew proudly named ‘Lilly Antoinette’.
Annette will be dearly missed.
As per Annette’s wishes, there will be no funeral services.
- * Lilly Antoinette*
Condolences on your loss
Our Sincere Condolences to all the family with the passing of Annette
Thoughts and prayers are with you All
Stephanie and Dave Wood
Dear Janice and Laurie, Annette was such a dear and special friend to Mom and Dad. She had such a quiet, calming personality, and was so kind to everyone. We have so many childhood memories of our families growing up together, and countless wonderful memories of those days. She will be so missed by our family. xo
Thinking of you & remembering a very warm, loving lady! So very sorry to hear of this loss…Hugs to you all.
My sincere condolences to Aunty Betty Ann, Laurie and Garry, and all your families.
I know the loss of Aunty Annette will leave a large hole in your hearts but I know it will be filled with her love and memories forever.
Love Cindy and Cam Smethurst
My sincere condolences to Peter and Sylvia Reiner and families.
I know you will cherish Aunty Annette’s memory forever in your heart.
Love Cindy and Cam Smethurst
Sending your family sincere condolences Laurie and Janice….Annette was a loved member of our Minnesota district and Vanscoy community. I have so many memories of visiting your home as a little girl Laurie…and she was always so welcoming and friendly whenever I would see her in past years. She will be missed….take care.🙏💕
Dear Janice, Laurie and family, Our sincere condolences in the loss of your mom. Annette was such a special lady and I can still remember all the special times so long ago that our familys would spend together (your mom was always a caring and thoughtful person). Ours thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Darlene & Joe Ehr
Dear Laurie and Janice and family,
We are sad to hear about Annette. We have so many memories of the good times, goose hunting, our many Vegas trips, fishing, golfing, card games, just to name a few. Tours of the garden and flower beds. We miss them both very much. Love and prayers!