Elizabeth Eleanor Lycan Ward passed away peacefully on April 19, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on December 21, 1930, in Olympia, WA to George Sylvan and Elizabeth Richards Lycan of Tenino. She was a lifelong resident of the Olympia area. Eleanor graduated from Tenino High School and Western Washington University. In 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, William (Bill) J. Ward Sr. They were married for 57 years until Bill’s passing in 2009.
Eleanor was a teacher in the Tumwater School district for nearly 30 years. In addition to teaching, she was a devoted coach’s wife for football, basketball, track and golf. In 1991, she retired from teaching and operated Top O’ the Morning Espresso & Deli with her husband and family for several years.
Eleanor loved the beach, gatherings with family and friends and taking trips with her kids and grandkids. She regularly enjoyed recreational swimming, dancing and singing with Bud and friends. Eleanor was a gifted and caring individual, who always greeted people with a smile, hug and laugh to immediately make you feel at home.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; sister, Elaine McDonald; brother, Edward Lycan; and sister-in-law, Marge Hopwood.
Eleanor is survived by her three children, Bill Jr. (Janine), Louisa Shimamoto (Alan) and Patrick (Cheri); grandchildren, Kevin (Jenny) Ward, Erin Ward (Kellen Harris), Kyle Ward, Kalani (Kelsey) Bunda-Shimamoto and Elizabeth Shimamoto; great-grandchildren, Jack, Talie, Kase, Calla and Ryan; sister, Enid Dempster; sister-in-law, Marge Lycan, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside memorial service will be held at Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 5725 Littlerock Rd SW, Tumwater, WA 98512, Friday, May 31, 2024 at 12:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life at Rivers Edge Restaurant at 1:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any commemorative contributions recognizing Eleanor’s efforts at helping young adults grow and learn be made to the Tumwater Educational Foundation, Coach Bill Ward Scholarship, PO Box 15112 Tumwater, WA 98501.
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