Ann left us peacefully on June 25, 2020, at the age of 81 years. She is survived by her loving husband Charlie, daughter Louise (Lorne), grandsons Colin and Tyler, daughter Brenda (Barry), granddaughters Nicole and Chelsea, brother Paul (Noreen), sister Mary. Also by numerous sisters and brothers in-law, and countless nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her brothers Mike, Bill, and Dick, and her sisters Nettie and Tina.
Ann grew up in Rabbit Lake, Saskatchewan. She met Charlie at a dance in North Battleford and they were married in 1961, just recently celebrating their 59th wedding anniversary. Dancing would form an integral part of the rest of their lives together. Five years later, they packed up their belongings and with their two young daughters, headed west to begin a new life on Vancouver Island. Their early years in Port Alberni were spent building lifelong friendships, camping, exploring the island beaches and of course, dancing (beginning with the Haymakers Square Dancing group).
When her daughters started school, Ann began working as a waitress at the Greenwood Hotel. She was there for over 10 years before the restaurant closed and she moved to The Dugout Restaurant in the Tyee Village Motel. Once their daughters grew and left home, Ann and Charlie stayed active and pursued a variety of interests through the years. She retired in her late forties and spent several years forming a special bond caring for her grandsons while her daughter Louise returned to work.
Ann could always be found at Charlies side, selling her crocheted doilies alongside his wooden toys at craft fairs and markets. Their love of travel brought them to Britain and Spain, to visit their daughter Brenda and her family, as well as cruises to Alaska and Panama. And of course, numerous trips back to Saskatchewan for family reunions and visits. She enjoyed playing cards with friends, listening to the fiddlers at Harbour Quay, and attending the local theatres, with Chemainus Theatre being one of her favourites.
She joined the Port Alberni Sunshine Club, and was soon involved in several of their activities including Tai Chi, floor curling, and playing crib. She baked muffins for the Sunshine Club luncheons, and was part of the Friendly Phone service for many years. She and Charlie also still danced at least once, and often 2 or 3 times a week.
Through all this, she also loved spending time with her family. She spent many hours watching her grandchildren in their sports events or theatre performances. She knew what their favourite meal was, and was ready to start cooking as soon as they walked in the door. Every meal was served with love and the one sentence: “Save room for dessert”. Brenda and Louise remember growing up with a cookie jar always full with her famous chocolate chip cookies. Her grandsons fondly remember her homemade juice popsicles, and her granddaughters remember her giant hydrangeas and shopping in the dollar store for treats. Mostly they will remember her always being there for them, to help wherever she could.
A small family service was held for Ann, with plans for a memorial service once larger gatherings are allowed.
She will be missed.
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