Anne "Nan" Patricia Yu-Li Robertson

Anne “Nan” Patricia Yu-Li Robertson was born on October 23, 2002 in Changning, Hunan, and died on Saturday November 13, 2021 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, after struggling with her mental health for a long time. Her struggles were private and personal, and her death was a profound shock to her family and to those who had the privilege of knowing her. Nan started at Sir Charles Tupper Elementary School, and was later a student at Sacred Heart School of Halifax from grades seven to twelve, graduating with the Queen Elizabeth II Medal. In September this year Nan began her studies at the University of King's College. Nan developed deep-rooted friendships with family and friends that were hugely important to her, and which created a loving, supportive environment during her life.

Nan will always be remembered for her kindness and her big heart, and her thoughtful interactions with people had a positive impact on many. Her love for helping others and for being there for those who were also struggling were unbounded, and so was the love of others for her. Nan was known for her black and iced coffees first thing in the morning; her baking with and for friends and family; painting and doing art for hours with friends; her warm and welcoming words to the guests at St. George’s Soup Kitchen during her final years in high school; her curiosity, and the love for learning that she brought into the conversations she had with friends, family, teachers, and professors. Nan loved studying and learning about the world, and during the last years of her life her passions for art, biology, and literature flourished. She was planning to study biochemistry after being part of the Foundation Year Program at the University of King’s College.

Nan is survived by her parents, Neil and Patricia Robertson; her sibling, Alire; her maternal grandmother, Nancy Howison; her uncles and aunts, Jamie Howison, Bruce Howison (Valerie), David Robertson (Kelly), Sally Robertson (Garth), Colin Robertson (Amy); and her many well-loved cousins. She was predeceased by her maternal grandfather, Alan Howison, and her paternal grandparents, Ron and Sheila Robertson.

The funeral for Nan was held on Tuesday, November 23rd at St. George’s Round Church and funeral arrangements were entrusted to J.A. Snow Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com

Many thanks to the wonderful communities that supported Nan during her life, and who continue to support her family and friends during this time. Donations in memory of Nan are welcome to be sent to the IWK Foundation to support mental health programs for adolescents.