Anne Goar (service date added)

Obituary

Memorial Video Tribute – (click the link beside)  https://youtu.be/R_KIk–n0dI

Anne Goar passed peacefully from this life, with her family by her side, into the loving embrace of the angels, at the South Bruce Grey Health Center, Durham, on January 24, 2022.

Anne was born on January 26, 1951, daughter of Ross and Mildred Fowler, sister of Ralph (Janet) and David (Linda). She was the beloved wife and best friend of Doug, loving and devoted mother of two wonderful children, Jennifer (Jason) and Jeremy (Karla), dedicated and proud Grandma of Annabelle, Sophie and Jade, sister-in-law of Pat, and aunt of Stephen, Jason and Jonathan.

Anne was born in Chesley and raised in Southampton. She became a registered nursing assistant at Humber Memorial Hospital, and worked in Hanover, and as a health records clerk at Saugeen Memorial Hospital in Southampton.

Her faith was a constant source of strength throughout her life and she was involved in the St. Paul’s Anglican Church community as a member of the choir, ACW, and served as a Sunday school teacher, superintendent of the Sunday school, member of church council, and a warden.

Anne had many passions in life. Her family was her first priority, and she could always be seen supporting each and every one of them in their various projects. She was devoted to her three grandchildren, and was often found playing, reading or colouring with them. She enjoyed gardening. She shared a love of travel with Doug and visited many wonderful destinations around the world. She enjoyed a welcomed change of pace, living in England for a year (1983-84), while Doug was on a teaching exchange programme in Oxford. Most recently they travelled to Australia and New Zealand in January of 2019. Anne had a creative flair, and spent much of her free time quilting, sewing, knitting and crocheting. She loved art, and enjoyed spending hours sketching, and dabbling in water colour and acrylics. Anne was a wonderful baker and cook, and it was common to find her enjoying the preparation of meals for twenty or more guests around her dining table on holidays and special occasions. She could always find time for reading a favourite novel and often had two or three on the go at the same time. Anne had a huge generosity of spirit, and made every house a home where she and Doug lived, and welcomed every guest at her door. Anne enjoyed singing, and joined the Chantry Singers community choir, and was able to continue on even after dementia issues made it difficult, thanks to the caring dedication of those around her. Sunsets never failed to thrill Anne, and she found genuine contentment driving near the lake, and enjoying the ever-changing patterns of the water.

In spite of the many adversities thrown in her path through life, including childhood polio, diabetes, and most recently, vascular dementia, Anne worked successfully to maintain a positive outlook on life, which was an inspiration to all who knew her. The family will be eternally grateful to the multitude of people who supported and enriched Anne’s life in recent years, including so many wonderful and cherished friends, church members and those in the community for their many acts of kindness, support, understanding and compassion. This amazing group allowed Anne to continue to enjoy life’s pleasures, even as capacities were diminished, and in spite of her initial need for privacy and respect. A huge thank you is extended to the Alzheimer’s Society Grey Bruce. This amazing organization has been a lifesaving grace in so many ways – dedicated programming (even via Zoom after the pandemic began), knowledgeable counsellors, and one-on-one care providers in the home. We strongly encourage others to reach out to this magnificent organization, if their services match your need. Thanks as well to the Day Away programme in Saugeen Shores, and the many selfless PSW’s and Community Care workers who strived to allow Anne to spend as much time as possible in her own home.

Notes of gratitude are offered to so many for their care and professional support: the staff of Rockwood Terrace Nursing Home; many medical professionals, including Dr. Cipolletti, Dr. Mulroy, Dr. Borrie, and Dr. Pillisch, Dr. Lees in Anne’s final hours; never-ending spiritual support of the Rev. Carrie Irwin and the Rev. Annie Veyvara-Divinski.

celebration of life will take place at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 248 High Street, Southampton, on Sunday, May 29 at 1:30 pm (masking required), followed by a Come and Go reception at the Bruce County Museum, 33 Victoria Street, North, Southampton, from 2:15 to 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made as your expression of sympathy to the Alzheimer’s Society Grey Bruce, or St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Southampton, in care of their outreach fund to support the community.