Tributes paid to ‘gracious lady’, Nonie Ward, laid to rest in her 105th year
Ms Ward was born in April 1920 in Murroe and lived there her whole life
TRIBUTES have been paid to the “wonderful and interesting” late Nonie Ward of Murroe, who has been laid to rest.
104-year-old, Ms Ward is fondly remembered by many as “a gracious lady” and “a lovely and friendly lady”, who was “always smiling”.
From Cappanahanna, Murroe, Ms Ward was wife of the late Timmy and sister of the late Eileen O’Brien and Mary Dunne.
A “hard-working woman”, Ms Ward lived with her niece Nora and her family for the last 10 years, who live next door to where Ms Ward was born and raised.
“When her husband Timmy died she moved up to us, as we live alongside one another,” Nora said.
“She was a very nice and quiet woman, she never smoked or drank. She was a very holy person too. She had great faith.
“The family had a small farm and she worked the land,” Nora said.
“Her father died when she was very young and she was the eldest, so she did all the work.”
Ms Ward, née Rainsford was born on April 18, 1920 and Nora said “it is a pity we didn’t write her memories down when she was telling us at the time!”.
Known to enjoy “the simple things in life”, the late Ms Ward played cards every Tuesday night in Murroe.
Nora said: “She loved to have family, friends and neighbours call to the house”, with friends known to call on Friday to their house to play cards, a weekly meeting that “went on for years”.
“Sympathy to all of Nonie Ward's family. A real lady, a kind, decent person,” one person wrote on RIP.ie.
“My late mother and father played cards at the Ward’s house for years, it was a great house, always. Rest in peace Nonie.”
Additionally, Ms Ward loved traditional Irish music and watching hurling.
“She was extremely proud of Limerick when they won the All-Ireland in 2018,” Nora said.
“She was interested in everything and had a great memory. Sport, music and cards were her main interests. She was always a very homely person, and was like a grandmother to my own children,” Nora said.
Another person reminisced on their memories of Ms Ward being “generous with her time”.
“I have great memories as a child visiting her house and always getting lemonade and sweets,” they said.
“She was a great friend of Dad, they can now have great chats in Heaven. Rest in peace Nonie.”
A neighbour of Ms Ward remembered her with great fondness, writing: “Lovely Nonie, my dear and special friend and neighbour. I will miss our chats, your stories, your kindness, your wisdom and your smile.
“You are now reunited with your dear Timmy and you’ll forever hold a special place in my heart. May you rest in eternal peace now, Nonie - you deserve it so much.”
Sadly missed by her loving nieces, Nora (Quinn), Mai (O’Carroll), Margaret (Ryan) and Margaret (Rice), nephew Gerard (Dunne), Nora’s husband Jimmy Quinn, and their sons Liam and Brian, extended family, neighbours, relatives and friends.
Ms Ward was laid to rest on Friday, September 20 at Abington Cemetery in Murroe.