#2360, Edith Marjorie WARD

1st daughter of John Spencer Ward of Long Wittenham, Berks., by Beatrix, daughter of Rev. Sir Charles Charles Gordon Cumming Dunbar, 8th Baronet of Northfield, Co. Elgin. Educated at 'The Bonhams', St. Leonards, Sussex; Aldburgh, and Oxford University (Home Student in Medicine). Memorial in Chester Cathedral.

Before her marriage she studied medicine at Oxford University as a home student, travelling into lectures on a motorcycle. During this time she was also nursing her mother. After 4 years as a medical student she caught scarlet fever and was unable to take her exam in 1923, and then married before her finals. During the whole of her married life she was a constant support and companion to her husband, assisting in parish work and later on, fully involved in all the commitments that fall to a Dean's wife both in Cape Town and Chester.

The year she died she visited Africa for the last time to see her two daughters and their husbands—Mary and Maurice in Malawi and Bridget and John in Lesotho.

Memorial: Grave stone in the floor, east end of south transept of Chester Cathedral.
Interests: Unfailing interest in people and a great encourager.

A home-maker of unbounded hospitality, the Rectory and Deanery were open to all. In later life she enjoyed sketching.

Gibbs Family Tree ID 1801