Obituary

It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the loss of our beloved Melanie Susan Ward, on February 21, 2024, at Emmanuel House Hospice in Hamilton. Born January 29, 1955, Melanie was a soul like no other; a free spirit, treasured partner, sister and caring friend, with the ability to surprise you with her smile, and unexpectedly draw you into her envelope. She left us as she lived: in optimism, humour and love, brave and fearless, tender and fragile, inspiring to us all. No matter the circumstances, Melanie had the unique ability to make friends in new places. This is because she always gave more than she took. The giving of her attention, her kindness, was always enough; that’s what mattered most to her. Her reward was the love she generated in others. And this is why, now, her loss hurts so much. Her willing nature and openness to new experiences was what connected her to two of the things she loved most: family, and travel. Melanie was the family glue, the historian, the one who always stayed connected with the aunts and uncles, cousins and friends in far away places. She made a point of visiting everyone because that is what mattered most. When visits were distant, it was an opportunity to fulfill her other great love, of travel and adventure. She began that at an early age, even if it was just running away from the family farm. But she kept at it all her life. Her family became her world, and the world became her home. Melanie is deeply missed today, and will always be, by her family, and her extended circle of friends throughout Canada, in Mexico, New Zealand and Australia. She is forever remembered by husband Garrett, sisters Marlene, Alison, and Marybeth (Spiros); by nieces and nephews Emma, Laura, Matthew, Owen, James, David, Jenny, Jessica and Conrad; by brother-in-law Roland (Wanda) and Micah. We especially recognize the example set by Lois (nee Lockwood) and Norman Ward, Melanie’s Mom and Dad, for raising an exceptional daughter who made the most of every moment of her journey, and also to Dorothea, whose spirit lit the way. Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held in the Spring, at a place and date to be arranged. In lieu of flowers, please consider a financial tribute in Melanie’s name, to Emmanuel House Hospice in Hamilton, whose care team deserves so much, not for what they do, but for their love of doing it. I wish I could name you all. You know who you are. To donate to Emmanuel House, please visit: https://goodshepherdcentres.ca/donate-to-emmanuel-house/