Ann Dillon Marshall

Ann grew up in Larchmont, New York, one of four children of Tom and Mildred Dillon. An avid student, Ann attended high school at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich, Connecticut and did her undergraduate studies, first at Newton College and then at St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto. Her teaching career began as headmistress of the lower school of St. David’s in New York City where she met her husband, Richard. Earlier this September the family celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. In 1966 they moved with their three children to Toronto where she shared her passion for teaching as a pioneer in the fields of Adult Basic Education, Literacy and English as a Second Language until her retirement. Ann earned a Masters of Education from the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education while working and raising three children. She was loved by her students whose life stories inspired in her a call to social justice within her deeply lived faith. She and Richard purchased Valleyhaven Farm in the Parry Sound district in 1970 and Ann made it a place of retreat to share with many friends. Her grandchildren in particular recall many magical moments with ‘Grama Annie’ there.

Ann and Richard have always felt very blessed in many ways but especially in their wide circle of close friends. Friends and family treasure Ann’s many gifts and will miss her bright spirit. Ann is predeceased by her brother Wright and leaves her husband Richard, her children, Katie (John Flaherty), Richard (Madeline Burghardt) and Kristin (Paul Young) and adoring grandchildren, Annie (Adam Garib), Gabriel (Emily Mercer) and Locky, Seph, Tonnán and Raffi, Owen and Fiona and great granddaughter Miriam.

Ann’s family is deeply grateful to the Christie Gardens’ Wellness Centre and Assisted Living staff for their loving care and attention.

Visitations for Ann will be held at the Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home, 467 Sherbourne St., Toronto, on Thursday, September 22, 2022, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 354 St. Clair Ave. W., Toronto, on Friday September 23, 2022, at 10 a.m., followed by a reception. Service will be livestreamed from Ann’s page on www.rosar-morrison.com and will also be available for viewing following the service. Private cremation to follow.

In lieu of flowers, celebrate Ann’s life in an act of kindness and generosity.