Name: Andrews Community Funeral Centre - Bramalea Chapel
Address: Brampton, ON

Treasured Memories of Anna

It is with a heavy heart that I send this note to my friends in Canada, maybe I can relate a few bitter sweet memories of Anna.
The times Anna and myself would sing in the back garden on Avondale Blvd. ...we always expected applause from behind the fence but it never came. Mari
would chime in when we forgot the words and she knew them all. She still thought we were both crazy though!
The hot summer day when Anna made me a steak and kidney pie mashed & turnip and peas! Everyone else had hamburgers and hot dogs! The visit to the "cottage" When we had an uninvited guest late at night (Frankie and Kajia were already asleep) when all of a sudden a little mouse appeared on the fire side...Anna and Mari fled like banshees into their bedroom and slammed the door. As an invited guest I decided to face this problem in a dignified wa y. I
sat for hours watching this little mouse (with the sheet up to my neck) trying not to scream. Morning eventually came and I never saw the mouse again!
Who can forget Anna's  fabulous birthday party! It was the best time ever! 
We did so much singing...especially after a few glasses of wine! It was a wonderful party filled with family and friends.
One night at the (Green Kitchen in Guttenberg, New Jersey) Anna,  Mari and myself started  singing softly so that we would not be noticed but as the wine flowed we got louder and all the tables around us joined in!  
These are some of my memories  of Anna...I will always treasure them. Thank you Anna.
I miss you.
Your friend Yvonne, Weehawken, N.J. USA.

                      Treasured Memories of Anna
It is with a heavy heart that I send this note to my friends in Canada, maybe I can relate a few bitter sweet memories of Anna.
The times Anna and myself would sing in the back garden on Avondale Blvd. ...we always expected applause from behind the fence but it never came. Mari would chime in when we forgot the words and she knew them all. She still thought we were both crazy though!
The hot summer day when Anna made me a steak and kidney pie mashed & turnip and peas! Everyone else had hamburgers and hot dogs! The visit to the "cottage" When we had an uninvited guest late at night (Frankie and Kajia were already asleep) when all of a sudden a little mouse appeared on the fire side...Anna and Mari fled like banshees into their bedroom and slammed the door. As an invited guest I decided to face this problem in a dignified way. I sat for hours watching this little mouse (with the sheet up to my neck) trying not to scream. Morning eventually came and I never saw the mouse again!
Who can forget Anna's  fabulous birthday party! It was the best time ever!  We did so much singing...especially after a few glasses of wine! It was a wonderful party filled with family and friends.
One night at the (Green Kitchen in Guttenberg, New Jersey) Anna,  Mari and myself started  singing softly so that we would not be noticed but as the wine flowed we got louder and all the tables around us joined in! These are some of my memories of Anna that I will always treasure. 
Thank you Anna.
I miss you.
Your friend Yvonne, Weehawken, N.J. USA.

Anna
Since your passing we have been talking about the love and support we received from yourself and John, not to forget also from your Dear Mother, Martha as well as the rest of your extended family on our arrival in Canada.  You accepted us into your family and helped us to adjust to our new life.  We are forever grateful to you.  Your help and support made such a difference to our stay in Canada.
We had a lot of fun in those early years.  We remember yourself and John took us to the Ice Rink at the East Mall.  Our first, and in my case my last,   attempt at ice skating.   I think that was the night that Joe jumped over a bank of snow on Avondale Boulevard right into the snow ditch up to his waist in snow.  I remember how we all laughed and you said  “ kid on you didn't notice”.  I think you really enjoyed that!!   The hospitality of  yourself  and  John,  as well as the rest of the Keatings/McLaughlin family was amazing.  Anna, we are very  grateful   for the opportunity to record our gratitude.  We could never have repaid you enough for your kindness.   
Thankfully we also have very fond memories of your  last trip to Scotland with Matthew and Brendan.   WE remember visiting    Baird's Bar at the' barras'  to check out the  local ‘Glesga'  culture,  well  known to many in the Celtic supporters club in Bramalea .  Whatever about you the boys really enjoyed it.    I wish that we could have spent a little more time together to exchange more     ‘ Hallside'  stories.  Also more time to allow us to repay some of your kindness.
Anna,  You are remembered with much love and affection
Joe and Ann Keatings  (Scotland)

Dru, so sorry it seems like only yesterday we would finish pradtice ans stop by your moms house to be fed befor we went out. Peter and laura.

I have so many memories of my Aunt Anne that I wouldn't know where to start. Some of the highlights are the broad way shows we have seen together. We all know how much she loved singing and dancing. When I was young Aunt Anne and Uncle John took my brother and I to New York and Florida. Another love of hers was travelling and we would talk about different places. Now looking back she would often say "I loved that place". Seems there wasn't anywhere she didn't like. I will also remember her sense of humour. She had a natural way of making everyone laugh. 
I will deeply miss Aunt Anne and will always cherish our memories.

Aunt Anne 
My favorite Aunt.  You always had a song to sing and a smile on your face.  I will treasure every memory I have of you and every time I think of you I will sing a few lines of you cannie kick your granny off the bus.
Love you
Joy

Dear Dru, Bryan & family, 
Knowing your Mum through the years was our priviledge. She just became part of our family. When we were going out to family dinners, parties or just a day out to the races the concern was well Who is picking Anne up?? She was a wonderful lady and will always be a big part of our family. I hope with the turn out today, you see how much you guys are thought of and how much she was loved. My Mum will miss their lunches out and their wee glass of wine. The 2 of them were a pair. They always came back with a story no matter where they went. They didn't get to work on her garden like they planned but I will plant a Rose Bush in our garden in the Spring in her memory.Love,thoughts and prayers are with you all.

So sorry to hear this sad news, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Barry and Liz.

Anna, 
I love and miss you so much, I miss talking to you on the phone everyday when you phoned my old Nanny (or when I had the phone and wasn't supposed to and found a way to call you haha) I miss seeing you every other day when you came to pick old Nanny up for your tea dates, but most of all I miss the big hugs, kisses and cuddles when I saw you, I'm happy we built a unforgettable bond in just a short few months and I am going to miss you everyday but I will never forget you. 
Love your little buddy (monster) Braiden xoxo

I love you Anna and miss talking to you on the phone everyday and miss seeing you every other day when you came to pick old Nanny up for your tea dates and she misses you so much. I love you and miss you from your little buddy Braiden xoxo

Dear Bryan, Dru, Nancy and family so very sorry for your loss I love Anna to the moon and back and will never forget the strong and wonderful women she is, I love you all and pray at this difficult time for you 
Love Lauren Whitlock xoxo

Dru and Bryan my prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.  Auntie Anne and Uncle John were very special to me and I have fond memories of our time together.  Aunt Anne always made 32 Avondale a special place.  After playing squash at the Regency with my Uncle John we would go back to the house where Aunt Anne always had tea and biscuits or 'a piece and jam' or Scottish sausage on a bun.  We would all sit around the kitchen table talking for hours.  I would like to thank you Auntie Anne for providing a safe, loving and comfortable place to enjoy time with family.  

All my love - Chris

Dear Dru, Nancie, Mathew & Brendan, Sooo very sorry to hear that your beloved Mom & Granny passed away.  I met her several times throughout the years and the thing that I most remember was her sense of humour.  When I informed my dad Bob that she passed away, the first thing he said was "she had the greatest sense of humour". Our heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your mom.  I know only too well the depth of emotion that is felt during this extremely difficult time and hope that her love and your memories will help to ease the pain and eventually be the very thing that keeps you connected to her, for ever!  RIP Anne!
Love Carol & Trevor

32 Avondale was always McAuley party central. I have many fond memories of the annual Christmas get togethers,  Superbowl parties and Sunday afternoon visits.   As the youngest of the group, Aunt Anne always went out of her way to pay extra attention and make sure that I wasn't feeling left out.  As I scroll through all of the wonderful messages,  there are several mentions of how Aunt Anne was the glue that held the family together.  I experienced this in my later years, with the passing of my own parents.  Aunt Anne was the one person who always stayed in contact to make sure I was doing okay and celebrated along with me as I started my own family.  

Aunt Anne was also the keeper of memories.  She kept the McAuley family history alive with colourful stories of my mom (Rosemary) and her brothers (John, Frank, Andrew and James) and sister (Cathie) in Scotland.  Every family needs a storyteller and Aunt Anne fit the bill perfectly.  I will miss hearing her stories, but I am grateful for the opportunity to share in her memories.

“Put your shoes on Lucy”, was a catchy little tune that she used to sing to our eldest daughter Lucy when we would come by a visit.  It has become a favourite song in our house and I will lovingly remember Aunt Anne every time we sing it.

Our deepest condolences to the McCauley family at this difficult time. Thank you to this wonderful woman for bringing us our godfather Bryan into our lives. God bless, Emily and Matthew.

Auntie Anne, 

You were so very special to me in so many ways.  I remember when I was a little girl you always hugged and cuddled me when I was afraid or upset.  You continued to do that for me in my adulthood.  You were always there for me with arms open non-judgemental and never asked too many questions. I have great memories of my childhood at 32 Avondale with Lynn, Dru and Bryan.  You and Uncle John were a major part of my childhood and young adult years.
We had a very special relationship and one I have cherished and will now truly miss. I will miss you so very much but my life has been enriched by you.
Love always,

Dru, Bryan ... Auntie Anne
So the memories all come back -- of the times we spent at 32 Avondale. We were always so proud that Auntie Anne and Uncle John -- like pioneers-- were one of the first citizens of the "satellite city" that has become Bramalea. Imagine .
When I was little for as long as I can remember we went every weekend from the West Mall to 32 Avondale. 
The kids had fun. We would pile into the big 50s Chevy -- oh those cat's eyes in the big fin-- and pretend we were going to wherever forever. Bryan always drove. And we never left the driveway 
Auntie Anne always had hug -- and tea. A scraped leg? The boys beating up ? (never really - Dru and Bryan were never mean -- but when you  are 7 you're sensitive).
She would be there with a hug, an 'aww, Hen' and tea.
What couldn't be fixed with tea? Or a hug? 
Auntie Anne was kind. We don't value kindness enough -- kindness is hard. Harder now it seems to me than then. She was so easy with it 
Or maybe I took it for granted. Not anymore.
We can all learn a lesson from Auntie Anne and be there for hugs and cups of tea
With love
Lynn

Auntie Anne, 

You were so very special to me in so many ways.  I remember when I was a little girl you always hugged and cuddled me when I was afraid or upset.  You continued to do that for me in my adulthood.  You were always there for me with arms open non-judgemental and never asked too many questions. I have great memories of my childhood at 32 Avondale with Lynn, Dru and Bryan.  You and Uncle John were a major part of my childhood and young adult years.
We had a very special relationship and one I have cherished and will now truly miss. I will miss you so very much but my life has been enriched by you.
Love always,  

Pauline McAuley - Brampton, Ontario

I scrolled through the gallery of wonderful photographs numerous times today all the while trying to find words to express my feelings. Nothing came close to being able to do so. I was also struck by many fond memories, so many different ones marking so many different times. One of my fondest childhood memories is of the trip to the The Catskills. I still vividly remember that road trip in the big black Chevy and the "army" excursions across the river and through the hills, I was very lucky to have been included. I think two of the pictures are from that time.

My sisters and I have commented so many times over the last few years that we would have been lost without your Mom. She has been a loyal friend to our Mom, very attentive, understanding, helpful and a true blessing. I don't think I ever really expressed my thanks and, if I did it probably was not nearly enough. I do take solace in the fact that your Mom didn't do it for a thank you, she was just there for her friend. The picture of them together at my Mom's 90th this summer is one of the best pictures we now have of my Mom. It was a very happy day! I can't begin to tell you how sad my Mom is and how much she is going to miss your Mom.

All our Love,

Tom  and Lilly.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Granny

A teacher, provider,  supporter, & a best friend, but most importantly, My Granny.

She took Brendan and I to Scotland as she had always promised, and showed us our roots, & where we came from.  She taught us about where our family had grown, & where my dad was born.  

She taught me many things about love, about friendship, about family. We would always have a good laugh and tell each other jokes,  sing songs, maybe just listen to the radio, or have a great conversation.. all the while passing on helpful tips about how to succeed in life, or maybe just sit in silence and enjoy each others company.
Its my visits to her house that I

It was our joy and great good fortune to have found Anna - against considerable odds.
Her first Christmas card to us (before we'd ever met her) told us all we needed to know about Anna as a person. She wrote, "I'm sure you'll have had many great Christmases and New Years, but I hope you have much more satisfaction knowing you have family. We were so happy to hear from you."
That moved me deeply and I'll never forget how kind Anna was to John and to me.

When we spoke to her on the phone (or Skype), she was always so upbeat even when we knew that she was struggling with her health. Our spirits were always lifted after speaking to Anna.
When we travelled to Canada and met Anna and the family, she was only concerned that we have the best time and do everything that we wanted to do.

We've been talking a lot about her this weekend and John said, "It was never about Anna" - and he's right. She always wanted to know how we were, what we had planned and also, telling us about what her beloved family was up to.

We are proud that Anna is part of our family. Our time together was all too brief and we never did have that cocktail together at the Park Hyatt roof lounge...

We'll never forget how special she was. We know how much she loved Dru, Bryan, Nancie, Mathew and Brendan and how proud she was of you all. We can only imagine how much you'll miss her and our sincere condolences are sent to you all.

with much love,
Ann & John x

I heard through Carol that Dru's mom has passed away. That is very sad and I hope he is alright. I did not know her too well but if Dru is any indication of her character then I can assume that she was fantastic.

Dear Dru,
I'm sorry to hear about your mom's passing, She is now in the hands of God and for those left behind it can be a time of great sadness.   May your faith assure you of her eternal life in the company of all those who believed in His love.
My prayers are with you and your family.

Anna,  We hope you had a peaceful journey and that at the end of it God held you in the palm of his hand.

Dru, Bryan, Nancie, Mathew, Brendan, Frank, Kiaja and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

Love,
Mae & Jack

 We send our deepest sympathy. Although there are no adequate words to express your loss may time and  happy memories help you to endure.
Lynne and Andy meeker

Dear Dru, Brian & Family, Anne's passing was such a shock and so sad for all of us especially my mom (Jean) who is going to miss her friend so much, they always enjoyed their get togethers and their little glasses of wine.  Anne was such an interesting person sharing her stories of travel and experiences, her memory always amazed me it was better than mine. We were also happy when she moved to her new house and I know that my mom and her had big plans for fixing her garden in the spring.  
My thoughts and prayers are with you but you can take comfort in knowing that Anne was admired and loved by many people.

Margaret Woods - Brampton

I have so many positive memories of my mother's life.  I can't think of where to begin.  

She gave endlessly of herself to the care and well being of others.  She was known as a "go-to" person and, as a result, had a number of special relationships with a variety of friends and family alike.

The abiding image I will have of my mother is one of an endless battler to overcome all obstacles in her way.  

Her move to Canada started out as a vacation.  However, while here she was involved in a tragic car crash that left her hospitalized for months.  My father then had to come over and hold down two jobs to pay off the medical bills.  Thus began life as immigrants to Canada.

She was the glue that held our family together.  In the face of challenging circumstances, she managed to succeed time and again without any fanfare or grandstanding.  She just got it done.

In later life, she overcame cancer three times, an industrial accident and, in a separate incident, a paralysis that affected her for a number of months.  At the time of her death, she was recovering from pneumonia and living with a form of leukaemia.  There was no quit in her.

During her lifetime, she cared for husband John and both her mother Martha and stepfather Robert during their illnesses.  Caring for her mother required her to get her driver's license in her sixtes.  She never flagged or lacked enthusiasm for the challenge at hand.

A recent event highlights her capacity to get it done.  After we bugged her for years to move to a new home, she finally proceeded to do so last year - at 78.  She was still living independently in a townhouse when she passed away.  It was a thrill for us to see her enjoying her new surroundings. 

Bryan and I are lucky to have had such a mother.  She showed us how to persevere, how to love, how to be a good friend, how to be a good relative, how to work to enjoy life.

Dear Brian, Dru, Nancie, Mathew and Brendan, Such a sad time for everyone, and there are no right words to say.  But all the Love and the wonderful Memories you share will be a comfort.  Your Mom is forever etched in your hearts.
love Ken, Christine Vienneau and Family

Ma...Granny...Dru's Mom

I'm sitting here still in shock of the past 4 days.  The sadness of the whole experience has just hit me once again.  You were our family matriarch, the rock, our confidant and our lives will have a huge void without you.  I can't find the right words to convey how much your presence in our lives will be missed.              

You have overcome so many incredible obstacles in your life.  I think more then most humans could handle and handle them you did, with dignity and courage.  Incidents in your life  - like coming here for a holiday and ending up living through a horrific & tragic car accident, (which killed 2 and left you in the hospital for months), having to wear a neck brace for months from your hair being caught in a machine at work, contracting a virus which left you unable to walk for awhile, Uterine cancer, Breast cancer, and at the end living with a form of Leukaemia.  You got your drivers licence late in life because you knew your Mom needed you and you didn't want to have to depend on anyone to get you there.  You can see by this, we thought you were indestructible and wouldn't be leaving us for a very long time.  Your strength and maybe just a little stubborness (heehee) were something to be admired.  

It was very hard for you to leave your 1st home on Avondale, gosh knows we tried.  Your last year there was a difficult one for you which again you persevered and managed to get through it.  We were so happy when you finally made the move and became so content, very quickly, that you once said "I feel like I've lived here forever".  We were so happy for you and knew you felt safe there. It brings us such sorrow, knowing that you won't be able to enjoy your home and all the community had to offer you.

It's so funny how the things which would drive us crazy are now the things we think of with a smile on our faces.  Like not being able to have a cup of tea without something to eat, carrying a teacup in your purse because you couldn't drink tea from a paper cup, and lets not forget your wine quirks, must only be from certain European regions - could only drink from a proper wine glass, definitely not a plastic glass.  Also, how you always liked to remind us about the speed limit, speed traps and never forgetting to tell us how the arm at the gate for leaving your complex takes too long to raise up, "so be careful". 

You were deeply loved by your grandchildren, Mathew & Brendan and all your nieces & nephews.  Also, your aunts, uncles and cousins... because like us, you were always there for them and their needs.

Our life without you will be forever changed... but we will do our best to instill your courage and strength in us, as we get through our obstacles of life.  

Thank you for all you've done and given us, I love you Ma...Nancie

Dear Dru and Brian

I have such wonderful memories of your mom. She is one of the most positive and optimistic woman that I know  I appreciated what a great friend she was to my mom, who loved her very much.

My dad will dearly miss her.  Her weekly visits were a highlight.  She would chat with him for over an hour about Hallside and memories of friends and relatives they shared. Her sense of humour was the best!  It came through lots during these times.

Though the occasion was sad, I appreciated the opportunity to spend time with her in New Jersey.  During that time she became a friend, more than a cousin to me.

She has been so brave over the past number of years, stayed focused on the positive while facing great adversity and continued to live a wonderful life

She loved you both very much.  She was very proud of you.  I know you will find strength from the memories you shared with her.  You will find great comfort that she knew just how much she was loved.   Love Margaret

OBITUARY

Anne McLaughlin McAuley

November 18, 1934 – January 4, 2014

Andrews Community Funeral Centre - Bramalea Chapel

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