Veteran actress and Prisoner star Mary Ward dies 'peacefully' aged 106

Mary Ward has passed away at the age of 106.

The veteran actress, best known for her role as 'Mum' in the Australian crime drama Prisoner, died 'peacefully' at a BlueCross aged care facility.

Her nephew Mark Breheny told TV Tonight, the family would visit Mary regularly until lockdown restrictions were enforced.

'She led a remarkable life and spent her final years much loved and supported by family and friends,' he said.

'Not to mention the occasional Prisoner fan many of whom who still wrote to her.'

Born on March 6, 1915, Mary is best known for her role in late '70s/early '80s drama Prisoner.

She then went on to appear as 'Dee' in the 1980's drama, Sons and Daughters, with an acting career spanning six decades.

Mary also appeared in a slew of iconic Australian TV shows, including A Country Practice, The Henderson Kids, Neighbours and Blue Heelers.

'I really enjoyed acting very much. But I've left my acting days behind me and I am enjoying my retirement,' she told The Senior in June 2017.

Mary lived through two World Wars, and now two global pandemics, after being a child during the Spanish Flu, which lasted from 1918 until 1920.

She attended boarding school as teenager, and even befriended a young Lang Hancock, who became one of Australia's most successful iron ore magnates.

After studying acting in Perth, Mary moved to London in her early 20's to further her career, and landed a job teaching elocution.

Mary returned to Australia at the beginning of World War II, becoming the ABC's first female announcer.

During this time, she was nicknamed 'Forces Sweetheart', and would read letters and play music requests for the soldiers stationed in the Pacific.