Obituaries

I can still see Aunt Anne and Mom (Katherine) each sitting in a lazy boy chair getting excited over a televised game of Curling. It wasn’t just a care home that Aunt Anne provided for Mom but a family home. This wasn't the first time Aunt Anne took Mom in as my first days in school were in Dilke. Aunt Anne gave me a lesson on how to bake bread... I tried to write everything down but the secret was about how to adjust the dough so it felt right. Seems to me she made most folk she interacted with feel just right. Her life is a lovely memory for more than just us. Bill and Georgia PS... Wonder if she's managed to teach any of the angels how to play crib.

I write to offer my condolences to the many friends and nieces and nephews of Aunt Anne. She was a special lady and a special Aunt. I am sad to lose her, but thankful to have known her; happy beyond belief to have been her nephew, thankful that she lived many joyful years; and happy to know that she is now reunited with Uncle Phil to spread a little of her trademark cheer and kindness in the afterlife.

Aunt Anne was able to seamlessly navigate the phases of life: from valley girl growing up on a farm near Chamberlain (able to stook grain at the same pace as the boys); to bride and homemaker; to co-owner and operator of a grocery store in Dilke; to diligent worker at Bank of Nova Scotia in Regina; to founder and developer of WeeToo Beach, to store operator and 5-star cook at her own restaurant at WeeToo Beach; to ‘snowbird’ and unofficial Canadian ambassador during her winter stays in Texas; to head cook at construction camps in Alberta; to nurse for Uncle Phil after he suffered a serious heart attack in Oklahoma (from which he thankfully recovered); to widow maintaining her own home in Dilke; to apartment life in Moose Jaw; to independent living at the Bentley in Regina; to assisted living at Harbor Landing Village; and finally to her last days in hospital and at Extendicare. Aunt Anne told me that things seem to change about every 10 years in her life. Her ability to adapt to new situations with elegance, humor and charm was nothing short of amazing. I would be remiss at this point if I did not specifically give a ‘shout out’ and a thank-you to my sister Carol and her husband Leif for the unflagging support they provided to Aunt Anne in meeting the challenges that came with advanced age in the last number of years.

The common thread that ran through Aunt Anne’s life and interactions with all was her kindness. Aunt Anne loved to serve great food; she loved to tell jokes and funny stories (often prompted by Uncle Phil); she knit toys for hundreds of children that she never met; she loved to engage in conversation; she loved to play cards and to entertain; she was involved in her community as a tireless worker and as secretary/treasurer for many clubs; and she loved to help others and put a smile on their faces. Almost all children and adults that met Anne would come to refer to her as an Auntie or an Aunt – and a special Aunt at that. One cannot think of Aunt Anne without remembering her smile, her laugh, her cooking, her buttertarts and the fun and intensity she brought to a game of cards.

A couple of years ago, Aunt Anne asked me why she was ‘so lucky’ and why people were so good to her. It was easy to explain -- it was because Aunt Anne is one of the kindest people I have ever met. Acts of kindness are remembered. Acts of kindness change the world. Aunt Anne was receiving a small dose of the ‘good medicine’ that she had been delivering to others all of her life.

The Irish have a saying:

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

Thank you Aunt Anne for leaving us with so many happy memories!!!

Our sincere condolences to the family- she was a wonderful person and will be truly missed.

Great Auntie Anne, was an amazing host. I can still see her wall to ceiling canned peaches and taste her incredible pancakes. Glad to be part of her family even at a distance. She was so kind to my Gramma, I guess that’s what sisters are for! She will be missed but what beautiful memories she has left us with!

You have my deepest condolences. Anne and Phil were a great couple. They were friendly and always chatted whenever they met you on the street and in the store at Wee Too Beach.

My Condolences to the Family. I worked for them a few times at Wee Too beach store. Anne always fed me well and for dessert pick a piece of awesome pie. She was a nice woman. ♀️

She truly was Aunty to all who knew her, and every year at Wee Too during swimming lessons her baking and pies were the best. She was such a nice person to all, especially us kids.

Carol Callan (Reich)

It broke our hearts to lose you, but our memories of you will never be forgotten. We loved you dearly and you will forever be in our hearts. Rest in Peace, Auntie Anne!

Mother to none. Beloved Aunt to hundreds, even thousands, will be missed and remembered by those whose lives she touched and inspired. I am lucky to count myself as one of those.