Anne Goursky

She is survived by her son Drew. He is awed, and forever grateful to have had such a loving, witty, and supportive mother. She will remain his role model.

Anne is predeceased by Bill, her husband of 55 years, and her son Christopher, as well as her parents Nick and Mary Bystrycki.

Her closest relatives — including Luba Patterson, Teri & Jim Gibner, Chris Hare, and Melissa Gibner — were as dear to her as she was to them. Many thanks for the comfort, care, and devotion that each brought to Anne and Drew during her final illness.

Friendship was a central value in Anne’s life. She cherished memories and ongoing connections with Dana Garrad, Brian & Yvonne Commons, Diane Ward, Kirstin Skjodt and their extended families. Nancy Vandersluis and Lisa Godfrey were among many others in her affections.

Anne came to Toronto from Ukraine as a child in the early 1950’s, married in 1965, and raised her two sons with Bill.

Professionally and personally, she made an impact on people’s lives with her empathetic, non-judgemental approach. She aimed to see people thrive despite their challenges, and was there with to help.

Anne will also be remembered for her great gift: to make others feel cared for, often through her open-door hospitality and superb cooking. Whether baking and gifting bakery-level paskas, creating an epic lunch for a couple of school kids, or concocting elaborate meals for guests, she was never out to impress. She simply aimed to give flavour and enjoyment, and to create a lovely atmosphere.

Nowhere was this more in evidence than special occasions and holidays. She adored them all, and spent days in silent effort and planning. She was a wonderful gift giver, and card writer. But she could also be uncompromising in her holiday desires: creating the most festive arrangement of Christmas decorations, choosing the perfect Easter plant, and using a specific Thanksgiving platter, were all non-negotiable.

Anne was tenacious: determined to live independently even as her health declined. Despite pain, she remained mostly light in spirit and took pleasure in simple things: a fresh snowfall, the sweetness of a Hallmark movie, or a trip to the nursery to look over the flowers. Never bitter, she delighted in hearing the news of others, right to the end.

Family and friends are sorry to see Anne go, but glad she is now at peace.

Thank you to the nurses, doctors, and staff of Etobicoke General Hospital, who saw her through her final months.

A note of special appreciation to our family friend, the amazing Mitchelle Gabbadon. Her years-long efforts to support and advocate for Anne and Bill, went above and beyond.

Private arrangements have taken place, but a Celebration of Life is being planned for coming months. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anne’s memory may be directed, with thanks, to Covenant House.