Obituary of Dorothy Joan Ward

Four days after her 89th birthday, Dorothy Joan Ward (nee Nottley) passed away on Saturday June 8, 2024 at Bluewater Health, Sarnia.

Predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Allan Robert Ward (2020). Proud mother of Carol of Petrolia, Paul (Lynda) of Ottawa, Michael of Paisley, Tim (Cecilia) of Chatham and Joel of Plympton-Wyoming. Proud Nana to Sarah (David) of Ottawa and Sofia of Chatham, and Great Grandmother (G.G.) to Alice of Ottawa, and a dear Aunt to several nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her parents Henry and Emma Nottley and step father Alvic Nottley, infant sister Judy, and Sister Cheryl Babcock.

Joan was born in Sombra Township and raised in the Wallaceburg and Wilkesport area. She attended Teacher’s College in London, Ontario and taught at Murray Street School in Corunna where she met Allan. They were married in August, 1956 and settled in Corunna. She continued supply teaching while she was busy raising a family. In 1990 they moved to their lake property at Hillcrest Heights, near Forest where she lived until her passing.

Joan was very involved with many church activities at both Corunna and Forest United Churches. She was a Sunday School teacher, youth group leader and active in the U.C.W. Over the years she baked hundreds of pies, butter tarts, and loaves for church fundraisers, and church events.

She was active at the Presbytery and Conference Level of the United Church, and volunteered for many years at Lambton United Church Centre near Forest.

She was an avid reader, loved playing cards after Sunday dinners, and an animal lover, nurturing stray cats in the neighbourhood as well as her cat, Sweetie.

The family would like to thank Doctors Wakely and Clifford for their care through the years. A special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Bluewater Health, particularly the special care and kindness given during her final days in Palliative Care.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 from 6pm-8pm at Denning’s of Forest.

A Service will be held at Forest United Church on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 11am, followed by a luncheon, and interment at Beechwood Cemetery at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Forest United Church, the Humane Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.