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. She married William (Bill) J. Ward, Sr., her high school sweetheart, in 1952. 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.
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, Elizabeth Shimamoto; great-grandchildren Jack, Talie, Kase, Calla, Ryan; sister Enid Dempster and sister-in-law Marge Lycan, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, husband Bill, sister Elaine McDonald, brother Edward Lycan and sister-in-law Marge Hopwood.
A graveside memorial service will be held at Mills & Mills Funeral Park in Tumwater on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 12 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at Rivers Edge restaurant at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any commemorative contributions recognizing Eleanor’s efforts at helping young adults grow and learn to be made to the Tumwater Educational Foundation, Coach Bill Ward Scholarship, PO Box 15112 Tumwater, WA 98501.
