08/10/2026
www.rdfamilymemorialchapel.com/obituary/Bernice-Ward
Bernice Marry Annie Ward
July 31, 1927 – August 5, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Bernice Marry Annie Ward, of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, on August 5, 2026, at the remarkable age of 99 years.
Bernice was born on July 31, 1927, in Gainsborough, Saskatchewan, to Arthur and Linda Cowan. She was the fourth of twelve children and was predeceased by ten of her siblings: Marjorie (Ernie), Theodore (Yvonne) Dorothy (Ernie), Iola (Don), Murvyn (Joan), Phyllis (Mac), Orval (Priscella), Cecil (Jeanette), Cecilia (Norm), and Norma and her sister-in-law, Anne Cowan. She attended high school in Gainsborough and Carievale before completing her teacher training at the Normal Teacher’s College in Moose Jaw.
On August 21, 1950, Bernice married Arthur Ward, her beloved and devoted husband. Together they built a wonderful life in McTaggart, Saskatchewan, where they spent more than 49 years, raising their four children. Together, Art and Bernice owned and operated the McTaggart Esso Station before becoming the postmasters of the McTaggart Post Office, where they were the heart of the community for many years. Bernice also shared her love of learning as a substitute teacher in Weyburn, earning a reputation as a humorous, quick-witted, and delightfully no-nonsense teacher whom generations of students remembered.
Bernice was predeceased by her beloved husband, Arthur, and by her son-in-law, Ron Thomas, her siblings-in-law, Rodney and Mary Ward; Thelma and Stu Stoup; Verna and Russell Jackson.
She leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Lyle Cowan and her children: Marilyn Thomas, Elaine (Lloyd) Nestman, Darcey (Coreen) Ward, and Valens (Sharon) Ward.
Nothing brought Bernice greater joy than her family. She was a proud grandmother to Tricia (Shad) Shoranick, Jolynne Thomas, Stacey (Trudy) Nestman, Marcie Nestman (Lee Fodi), Alanna (Mark) Chambers, Jaclyn (Stephen) Keppler, Jenna (Kai) Kramer, Brody (Brooke) Ward, Lawren (Evan) Schwindt, and Correy Ward. She was also loved by 16 great-grandchildren: Bella and Finn Kalocsai; Aidan, Liam, Judah, and Adalyn Nestman; Hiro Nestman-Fodi; Emmy, Halle, and Clara Chambers; Kaia and Isabelle Kramer; Brynn, Maklynn and Lewyn Ward; and Noah Schwindt.
To know Bernice was to know a woman of quiet strength, unwavering resilience, and remarkable independence. She belonged to a generation that believed in carrying on with grace and determination, meeting life's challenges with very little complaint. Wonderfully quick-witted and more than just a little cheeky, she had a wonderful sense of humour. Her bright blue eyes truly never lost their sparkle and her nails remained polished right until the end of her life.
Bernice appreciated beautiful penmanship, carefully teaching her grandchildren the art of writing thoughtful letters, and later cherishing the cards, letters and postcards they sent her from around the world. A committed Toronto Blue Jays fan, Bernice rarely missed the score of a game. Over the years, she enjoyed many special summer holidays to Kelowna, British Columbia, where she spent quality time with family and attended six beautiful wedding celebrations. She held a lifelong admiration for Queen Elizabeth II, a fondness that seemed perfectly matched with her daily cup of tea. Her homemade dinner rolls and meatballs - known as “porcupines” - are spoken of by her grandchildren to this day. Her grandchildren also feel blessed to treasure the patchwork quilts and crocheted toques she made for them and for their children.
Bernice was a devoted member of Grace United Church in Weyburn and remained active in the congregation well into her nineties. Her family is also deeply grateful for the kindness and compassionate care shown to her by the staff and residents of Tatagwa View, who became an important part of her extended family in her later years.
An intimate celebration of Bernice's life will be held by her children and grandchildren at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Bernice's memory may make a donation to the McTaggart Cemetery (by mail: ℅ McTaggart Cemetery, 11 Abells Bay, Weyburn, SK, S4H 3M2).
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