Obituary of Anne "Laraine" Ward

Anne “Laraine” (MacDougall)Ward 1943-2024 Dominion, Cape Breton. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, wife, sister, and nanny, Anne Laraine Ward “Laraine” (MacDougall), 80, on February 5, 2024, in Sydney, Cape Breton. Laraine was born on November 14,1943, in Glace Bay, Cape Breton. Mom loved the arts and theater, growing up in a family of performers she had no other option. Although she never got into acting herself, she loved to dance and figure skate. She was also a voracious reader and had knowledge on many topics. Mom was always a punctual and organized person which helped while she worked as a stage manager in many of her sister’s productions. The time she spent in New York City alongside her sisters while they did theatre was some of her fondest memories from her younger years. Mom worked for many years as a secretary at the Royal Bank of Canada in Glace Bay. She made many life-long friends and formed many meaningful relationships during her time there. After her retirement she was always catching up with friends and family over email and greatly enjoyed watching TV shows, Especially Game of Thrones. Some of our favorite memories of Mom were in the early years, with six little kids Mom and Da would take the gang camping and to the beach every chance they had. We will always remember summer family get-togethers, and all the chaos that came with them. A comedian in her own right, she always had a witty comeback for any situation, good or bad. Mom loved to have a good time including kitchen parties that usually went on to the wee hours of the morning. Mom was a very genuine and caring woman who loved people and she could always see the silver lining in anyone. She put family first and was adamant that you always help people whenever you can. Always a shoulder to lean on and unconditionally supportive to her children until her very last day, we will miss her in so many ways. She is reunited on the other side with Da, her parents, and siblings where they are likely having a good old fashioned kitchen party and listening to Aunt “Dee Dee” holding court. Laraine is survived by her children, Suzanne (Mickey) Hallett, Wilson (Lee) Hallett (Jaide), Melvin Hallett, Judy Ward, Raylene Ward and Gail Ward. Her grandchildren Michael, James, Jacqueline, Winifred, Tiffany, Shayla, Christina, Katherine, Jillian, and Kristy. Many great-grandchildren, special to her was Hayley and her summer visits to Dominion. Her sister, Deanna MacDougall - Sisters of Charity, Halifax. Her nieces and nephews; Garth and Clea MacDougall, Jenny Belt (Russell Hubley), Christopher Belt, and Kate Benson. And numerous cousins. Laraine will also be dearly missed by her cherished dog, Barney. Laraine was pre-deceased by her husband of 42 years, Raymond Ward. Her parents, Marguerite and Alex MacDougall. Brother, Arthur MacDougall, her sisters, Carol (Jack Belt), Suzanne (Donald Coffin), Lorna (Joyce MacDonald), and Marguerite. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and compassion of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. 902-849-4199. As per moms wishes we will not be holding a funeral service or visitation. A good old fashioned “kitchen party” or celebration of life as most would call it, will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cape Breton Food Bank. Words of comfort may be expressed to Laraine’s family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.