Daniel Desira (Her Son Michaels friend since childhood)

Entered August 14, 2020 from Mississauga

This one really hurts. Probably the sweetest lady I ever had the pleasure of knowing. She truly cared about her family and friends more than anything in the world. I had so many wonderful conversations with her as she sat down at home with her books or sitting in the backyard by the pool, and even spent a week with Brenda, Robert, and Mike in Myrtle Beach. I am sending my deepest love and condolences to the Ward family. I miss you all and will truly miss Brenda. Rest well.

Al Marchetti (Previous Colleague to Husband Rob & Friend)

Entered August 14, 2020 from Montreal

I was very saddened to learn that Brenda passed away. I am sure that she will live on in your hearts and that she will continue to have a positive influence in your lives. My sincere condolences to Rob and the family.

Terry Hardwick (Step Brother-in-law to Husband Rob)

Entered August 14, 2020 from Guelph Ontario

Going to miss you Brenda I'll never forget you.. I thank you for turning me on to reading when I was younger, and for that I thank you. Sorry I didn't get to see you more often but I'm sure we'll meet in the end , I love you!

Shelagh Peterson (Neighbour)

Entered August 15, 2020 from Mississauga

Rob and family: we are so sorry to hear about Brenda’s death. She was a beloved neighbour, pleasant and kind to all. Please be assured of our prayers and support.

Susan Peterson (Neighbour)

Entered August 15, 2020

So sorry to hear of Brenda's passing. It was always such a delight to see her smiling face light up when the children came around. She will be greatly missed.

I loved my mother, with all my heart.

If I could describe her in three simple words it would be loving, caring and selfless.

These words will never, ever really be able to describe the wonderful memories nor the deep waters that run within my soul in which I feel the most connected to her.

She was a person that shone her eminent beauty and light from within and touched so many people who knew her throughout her life.

She was a genuine and true spirit, and so humble that she would probably be unaware of incredibly special she was.

I am so lucky and proud to be her daughter and will never forget all the important human values she taught me in life that helped mold me into the person I am today.

The suffering is over Mom, and I know you are with your parents and your loved one's up above. You will always be in my heart forever and until we meet again.

God be with you my beautiful angel.

it's seldom that you come upon real-life angels but it's easy to distinguish them from others because not only do they touch our lives with kindness & unconditional love but they actually instill those qualities in us.
When I met Brenda she was no longer teaching but I can honestly say that she was the best teacher I ever had, one of few I actually respected and the only one that taught me what the phrase"beautiful soul" means.
She is the second Mom I never thought I'd be lucky enough to have and although I will miss her presence, her witty comments and stories, how she always tilted her head when she looked at the camera or "Brendadized" restaurants with her own dishes and cakes, she'll always be there with us because her fondness for the most important values in life, tolerance, kindness and love is not something that we can or should ever forget.

James’ Speech

BRENDA LEE WARD


My Dad's life with Mom started on Dec. 2, 1972 when they met at a Toronto dance club. Dad was still in University and Mom was a young teacher with the Metro Toronto Separate School Board.

For over 47 years, they reveled in each other’s life and loved to be in each others’ company.

Mom was a vibrant person who was full of life. She had this ‘easy – to – talk - to’ style that made everyone feel comfortable and at ease. She always showed a genuine interest in whomever she met.

She cared deeply for her family and her children were her pride and joy. She had a very close relationship with her birth family. Long talks on the phone with her Mom every week. She couldn't wait to visit with them in Cornwall and Brockville every year… her own family in tow…. over the summer, Christmas holidays and any other time that presented itself.

She was a music teacher extraordinaire; conducting school choirs and taking talented kids to Channel 11’s Tiny Talent Time. She was an inspiration to her students and always had time to listen to them.
In later years, she taught kindergarten and the early grades. She loved the little kids and always took a special interest in the little ones that needed some love and nurturing.

Her 19 years of retirement, although many, were not long enough….as they were shortened by her illness. She enjoyed the warm sun on the deck by the pool, working on her crosswords or watching the birds as the clouds passed by. Dad and Mom shared their retirement together with ease and without any pressure to fill their lives with travel or trivia.

Our family would like to thank the Nurses and Doctors for their care of and dedication to Mom over the past few years….and on behalf of myself and our family, thank you all for coming here today to share in our remembrance of our Mom, Brenda.
Mom’s beautiful personality will be sorely missed by all.
God Bless and Comfort Her.

Michael’s Presentation

The following poem illustrates Mom’s beautiful character and essence while reminding us all that she will be with us forever.
I’d like to think of this poem as a prayer from Mom to all of us.

Fill Not Your Heart

Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow,
But remember me in every tomorrow.

Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles,
I’ve only gone to rest a little while.

Although my leaving causes pain and grief,
My going has eased my hurt and given me relief.

So dry your eyes and remember me,
Not as I am now, but as I used to be.

Because I will remember you all
And look on with a smile.

Understand, in your hearts,
I’ve only gone to rest a little while.

As long as I have the love of each of you,
I can live my life in the hearts of all of you