Lorna Heather Ward

Lorna Heather Ward, a resident of Saltcoats, Saskatchewan, passed at the age of 63 while receiving temporary care at the Centennial Special Care Home in Esterhazy, SK. Her sudden passing on the 19 September 2025 from complications of a broken ankle and her ongoing battle with myotonic dystrophy was both unexpected and a great sadness for her family and friends.

Lorna was born as Lorna Heather Porter on the 06 October 1961, in the small town of Snow Lake, Manitoba, the beloved daughter of Lorne and June Porter, both now departed. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 44 years, Jim Ward, and their daughters, Crystal and Nichol, and Nichol’s three children: Brayden, Jaxon, and Dawson. They all carry forward Lorna’s spirit and warmth, each a testament to the love she felt for her family.

Lorna is survived by her sister—Diane Lavallee (with husband Bob)—and her brothers—Stan (with wife Vita) and Harvey (with wife Paulette)—who mourn her passing with heavy hearts. Her deceased siblings—Johnny, Gloria, Jim (wife Maureen), and Caroline—all died from the same dystrophy she had. Their memory remains ever present in the family’s shared history.

Lorna was embraced by a larger extended family who also grieve her loss. Those closest include Jim’s siblings-Anne Koturbash (husband Oryst, deceased), John (wife Fern), Betty Daignealt, Ken (wife Rose), Don (wife Brenda), Kathy, Nancy Whenham (husband Glenn, deceased), Tony (wife Jolene), and Peter (wife Lisa). Each family member, whether near or far, remembers Lorna with affection and sorrow, honouring the lasting impact she made on their lives.

Lorna spent much of her childhood in Snow Lake Manitoba. She was a happy and adventurous child who was quick to smile and made friends easily. Some of her friends remained close well into adulthood and up to her passing.

Lorna’s family moved to Saltcoats, SK in 1974 where she met and married the love of her life, James Arthur Ward on the 4th of July 1981 at the United Church in Saltcoats, SK. Jim and Lorna’s first child, Crystal Amanda Ward, was born in January 1983, their second child Nichol Melissa arrived two years later, in September 1985.  Though times were tough in those early years, Jim and Lorna worked hard to provide a loving home for themselves and their children.

Lorna was diagnosed with Myotonic Dystrophy, a progressive and debilitating disease in the mid 1990s. A devastating diagnosis with two young children at home. Despite this life-changing diagnosis, she refused to let the disease define her. Lorna continued to be kind and gentle soul, striving to be the best wife, mother, and grandmother she could be. Her love, support and comforting words were always available whenever they were needed, and these qualities extended to her role as a sister, daughter and friend. Even as her condition progressed over the years, Lorna always put her best foot forward. 

Please join us to bid farewell to Lorna Ward.

A graveside service was held at the Saltcoats Historical Cemetery On Tuesday, September 30, 2025 At 2:00 pm, followed by a gathering of friends and family at the Saltcoats Sterling Room (located at 117 Allen Ave. in the Community Services Building) from 3:00- 5:00 pm.

The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Lorna Ward's memory to Muscular Dystrophy Canada, at their national office via their phone number, 1 800 567 2873 or by visiting their website muscle.ca

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