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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
COWARD-INCE, Thelma Eunice - Mother, role model, and community supporter Thelma Eunice Coward-Ince, was called home to be with her Lord on Friday, April 17, 2020, as a result of Dementia and the most recent outbreak of COVID-19. Thelma was born on February 4, 1934, in Sydney, Cape Breton. The youngest child of Lillian (Blackman) and Arthur Reginald Coward. She graduated first in her secretarial class from Sydney Academy, earning a scholarship from the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire (IODE). She also graduated from Mount Saint Vincent with a Bachelor of Arts degree. At the age of 16, Thelma joined the working world. In 1954, Thelma joined the Navy, becoming the first Black Naval Reservist. She went on to become the first Black Senior Secretary when she became Secretary to the Chief of Staff to the Admiral in the Canadian Navy. During her career, Thelma was known as the "go-to" person who knew all the policies, and she ensured rules and regulations were followed. At the Department of National Defence, Thelma was promoted to Manager of Administrative Services. She was the first Black manager and the only female manager in the Ship Repair Unit Atlantic between 1979 to 1992, when there were fewer than 100 women employees out of a total complement of 2,000. As much as she loved her work at Maritime Command, Thelma loved her children more. She treasured her son, Tony; and daughter, Michelle. Thelma was deeply involved in her community, serving on multiple boards, such as the Black United Front, the Health Association of African Canadians, the Canadian Ethnocultural Council, the Black Community Work Group, and the NS Advisory Commission on AIDS. She was a devoted member of Saint Thomas Baptist Church for 20 years while she lived in Dartmouth as well as being a member of the Nova Scotia Mass Choir for more 20 years before she became ill. Following her retirement, Thelma enjoyed breakfasts with former colleagues, and shopping with friends. She spent many hours in the Libraries in Dartmouth and Halifax. In 2015, Thelma moved to Northwood's Halifax campus, where she enjoyed companionship and loving care until her passing. Thelma was predeceased by her parents; as well as her siblings, St.Clair Nathaniel Grannum, Alfred Reginald Coward, Donovan Deorcey. She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Ince of Hamilton, Ont.; and her son, The Honourable Tony Ince of Dartmouth; her precious grandchildren, Yakira Ince, (Davood Rashidi) and great grandchildren: Yasiah, two and Yiannis, four months, Toronto, Ont.; Montell Thauvette (Joy) and great-granddaughter, Daisy seven months, Edmonton, Alta. She is also survived by her sister, Dr. Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk Halifax; sister-in-law, Henrettia Coward Dartmouth; siblings, Reginald Coward (Judy), Halifax; Rubin Coward (Debbie), Sackville; Cecilia Close, Sydney; Ethel Tomlinson (Rex), Kansas; Cephas Coward (Jennifer), Vancouver, B.C.; and Clara Coward, Dartmouth; cousin, Karen Daye, Halifax; and special friends, Sherly Parker Edwell Pittsburg, Pa.; Jan Delaney, Halifax; Marlene Clyke-Tynes, Halifax; Leonard Beaver, Halifax; Carlotta Weymouth, Dartmouth. Due to the restrictions resulting from COVID-19, a funeral will be held at a later date. Cremation has already taken place. Donations may be made in Thelma's memory to Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Mass Choir. It is silent, peaceful even, yet it can take away everything you've ever known, in a mere second. She was an extraordinary mom with undying, unconditional love, that made me know she was my best friend; and no-one made me laugh like she did. Mom I will truly miss you! There is no one who could take your place. I love you, -Michelle. (Halifax Chronicle-Herald 02 May 2020)
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For Posterity's Sake 
