Shirley Martha Ward

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Shirley Ward (MacDonald), November 16, 2023, a loving wife, mother, sister, and aunt.

Shirley was born in Sydney (Membertou), Nova Scotia, on October 13, 1950, the daughter of the late Joseph and Cecelia (former Doucette, nee Christmas) MacDonald. 

Shirley attended the Residential School in Shubenacadie, followed by Business School in Truro, NS, leading her way to the typing pool for the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs and later in Chatham, New Brunswick.  For the past number of years, Shirley has been working at the Natoaganeg Health and Wellness Centre, where she was considered the glue that kept everything together.  She will be missed by her co-worker and everyone that knew her.

She is survived by her husband Wilfred of 51 Years; daughter Cheryl (Perry Matchett); son Alexander Ward; granddaughters Amber Ward and Jenna Matchett; sister Merinda MacDonald, and sister-in-law Janice MacDonald of Membertou.; and her great grand dogs Buster and Clarke.  

In Natoaganeg, sisters-in-law Philomena, Jane Simonson, Lucy Martin, Barbara Isaac Ward in Listuguj and in Metepenagiag Mary Ann Ward and Brothers-in-Law Raymond. Godchildren Edna Doucette, Quentin Doucette, Wendy Ward, Stacey McCormack, Tracey Ward, Joshua Bernard, Eric Barnaby and Luca Denny.  Along with many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son Wilfred Mark Ward; her brothers Noel Doucette and Gordon, Douglas, Albert, Mervyn, and Archie MacDonald; her sister Nora MacDonald-Plourde; sister-in-law Jean Doucette; and brother-in-law Rheal Plourde.  In Natoaganeg, her brother-in-law Patrick Ward, Thomas Ward, Anthony Ward, John Ward, Albert Ward and Joseph Ward; and sister-in-law Irene Paul.

The family will receive relatives and friends from Northumberland Funeral Home on Monday, November 20, 2023, from 6 to 8 pm, and on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 11 am, at St Joachim's Roman Catholic Church. Interment will take place in the church cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to St Joachim's Renovation Fund.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Northumberland Funeral Home & Crematorium, 102 Pleasant St, telephone (506) 622-7741. Where your loved one never leaves our care.