Cornish – Emily Ann Ward died at her home on the High Road in Cornish on Sunday, May 15, 2022 after a courageous battle with Mesothelioma. She was 73 years old, born in Portland, Maine on February 15, 1949. Emily spent the majority of her childhood and adolescent years growing up in Cornish and helping her parents with younger siblings. She graduated from Gorham High School in 1966 and went on to earn her college degree at Mercy School of Nursing in Portland.
Emily established a prestigious career in nursing. She was known as a knowledgeable leader in several different hospitals, nursing homes and family medicine practices that created a 43-year career of dedicated service. Her support for the medical field never ceased, as people still called on her for advice and direction with sicknesses or illnesses, especially her siblings! She was trusted because she was smart. She was respected because she was passionate. She was loved because she had a unique wit to say something that would always make others smile.
Besides Emily’s 16 years living and working in Florida, her home was Cornish. Emily was devoted to her community. She volunteered at the Cornish Historical Society, numerous CAB events, helped facilitate the Pike Hall renovations and served as a town select person. Her caring altruistic heart will be missed.
Emily had a larger-than-life love for dogs and was mother to many over the years. She even had a sign in her house saying, 'If you’re bothered by the dogs, we can lock you in the other room!'. Emily loved each of her pets with all of her heart and her dogs took precedence over everything else.
Emily was predeceased by her parents, John Lyle Sr. and Maxine R. Lyle, both of Cornish, and her late husband, Stanley Ward of Fryeburg. Surviving are her siblings: brother, John Lyle Jr. and wife Bethany of Beverly Hills, Florida, brother, Robert “Buffy” Lyle and wife Noli of Limerick, Maine, brother, Paul Lyle of East Parsonsfield, Maine and youngest brother, Brian Lyle and wife Janet of Windham, Maine. Emily is also survived by many nieces and nephews for whom she loved sincerely and appreciated each of them in their own individual way.
The family would like to express the utmost gratitude to the Androscoggin Hospice providers, along with Emily’s housemate, Mikeala Sheilds, for their devoted support and help. A special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Eric Gerchman for the elite relationship he had with Emily as a coworker and as a patient. We would also like to thank the many close friends especially Nora & Brent Nelson that showed support with simple gifts of kindness and love that helped sustain her positive morale. Emily will be deeply missed and most sincerely remembered because like Frank Sinatra, she did it her way!
Upon Emily’s wishes, there will be no service. Arrangements are respectfully handled by Poitras, Neal and York. Online condolences may be expressed at: www.mainefuneral.com