NEWELL, Pansy Irene ~ Age 67, passed away swiftly surrounded by her loving husband, her children and their father as well as a number of her siblings in the early morning hours of Friday, July 22nd., 2022, in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville.
Always an Annapolis Valley girl, Pansy was born January 3rd., 1955, in Berwick, Nova Scotia. The fifth in a family of nine siblings, the daughter of the late Minni (Moreton) and Eldridge Ward.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister, Pansy lived her life counting her family as her closest friends and cherishing time with each of them above anything else.
The Ward family may not have invented the Nova Scotian kitchen party, but they sure did enjoy them! Passers by would hear the sound of laughter, guitars and country music sung together from memory anytime the family gathered together. Pansy was well known for her beautiful voice and made appearances at a number of venues including the Port George jamboree, and various events with "Country Storm".
Pansy loved a good adventure. With Bad Brad and Terrible Taryn in tow, exploring back woods roads and unique locations (that sometimes were home to angry goats) was a regular family activity. Finding an old abandoned farm house was as exciting as a Disney vacation. Pansy was the original "fixer upper". Teaching her children to look beyond first appearances. Forgotten and neglected treasures were given her love and attention, uncovering hidden value and infusing objects with a new lease on life. She made every house into a home and her art for decorating was second to none. The fruits of her skill were enjoyed by many friends and family members. Pansy was not afraid to do hard things, she was an example of strength and perseverance. Believing in the importance of education; Pansy returned to school at 46 years of age. She studied and did homework along side of Brad, who was also in high school that year and graduated at the top of her class. Her loved ones had never been more proud, than when seeing her walk across the stage and receive her diploma.0
Pansy was a hard worker who rarely sat still and was always happiest with a project on the go. She built everything from gardens to houses and could wield a power tool like a professional. A florist by trade, her eye for beauty and her green thumb could turn any landscape into an oasis. She was a lover of nature, and she shared her wonderment of the outdoors especially with her husband, as they worked together making their yard a beautiful extension of their home. She was an excellent host and time spent in her home felt like escaping to a private resort. During her retirement years her and Joe embarked on epic north American road trip seeing not only popular destinations but also enjoying what was off the beaten path. Knick knack, antique shops, and yard sales ranking among her favourites.
Pansy was the type of grandmother who loved spending time with her grandchildren. Family time was intentional, and she poured her energy into ensuring everyone was included. She built elaborate playhouses, planed activities, constructed pillow forts, made crafts and conjured everyone to play board games. She was definitely smarter than a fifth grader. Her grandchildren would note that she also love shopping and they received the benefits as she spoiled them completely. She was by far one of the funest and funniest Grammys and will be missed deeply.
Preceded in death her parents, Pansy is survived by her loving husband, Ronald Joseph “Joe” Newell; her siblings, Gloria (Jim) Cook; Donna (the late Aynard) Parsons; Nola Godding; Grace Ward; Marla (Jack) Banks; Manson (Jacynthe) Ward; Gail (Jeff) Crocker; Mark (Roseann) Ward; along with many nieces and nephews, The father of her children, Andrew (Darlene) Berry; two strong yet heartbroken children, Taryn (Daniel) Broussard, of Regina, SK; Bradford (Tiffany) Berry, of Mount Uniacke N.S. Pansy and Joe enjoyed eight grandchildren, Shaylee (Levi) Durston; Bryden (Andra); Felicya and Paige Broussard; Zoey, Zakhariah, Zander and Zane Berry as well as two great grandchildren, Chip and Teddy Durston.
There will be no visitation, and her funeral service will take place at 3 p.m., Saturday, August 13, in Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free 1-855-825-3448. Pastor Mike Miller officiating, with interment in North Kingston Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made in her name to Valley Search and Rescue or to Waterville and District Volunteer Fire Department. For those unable to attend the service, there will be a livestreaming of the service available at 2:55 p.m., Saturday, August 13, ADT by selecting the "livestream" option at the top of the funeral home webpage. Online guestbook may be signed, by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com
