STEEP FALLS — Nellie Ward, 91, passed away on Sept. 5, 2011, at the Maine Medical Center, peacefully in her sleep.

She was born in the United Kingdom on June 2, 1920, the daughter of the late William and Maude (Brooks) Aggett. She was raised in Loviton and in the cottage at Torr Hill in the UK. She received her education in South Zeal and Whiddon-Down. After school she lived at Horocomb Forde.

During World War II, she held many wartime jobs in the UK to assist in protecting her country.

She married Ellery H. Ward on Nov. 29, 1945, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Stratton, Wiltshire, United Kingdom.
Once Nellie and Ellery arrived in America, they set about building a family.

Nellie was very proud of being the first woman auctioneer in Maine. Nellie and Ellery’s auctions in Steep Falls were a highlight of their life together.

An English war bride, Nellie built a beautiful life and family, and touched many lives.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ellery Ward; a sister, Ivy Metherell who was from the UK; and two children, Leroy and Rosalind. Nellie is survived by children, Elaine Casazza, of Limington, Ellery Ward III, of Hiram, Cynthia Harmon, of Limington, Llewellyn Ward, of Lewiston, Clarissa Arsenault, of Steep Falls, Cassendra Hartnett, of Milford, Mass., Amaryllis Foster, of Somersworth, N.H., Marcellus Ward, of Steep Falls, Mahlon Ward, of Cornish, and Morris Ward, of Steep Falls; 22 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren; a niece; and a nephew.

A celebration of Nellie’s life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m., at the South Limington Free Baptist Church, Rt. 117, Limington. A food and fellowship gathering will follow at the church’s reception area. A private burial will be held at Steep Falls Cemetery. Arrangements are with Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home of Buxton.