Ann Claire Angus

Ann Claire Angus (nee Graham) fought bravely against a lingering age related illness that led to her death on Sunday, November 20 in the presence of her family. Ann was born in Toronto on February 4, 1922, the fifth of thirteen children. She came to Vancouver in the early 1940's when her father F.R. (Ronald) Graham moved from his previous homes in Toronto and Montreal. Ann spent her childhood and school years in eastern Canada. Her mother Helen Marguerite Graham died prior to the family's resettlement on the west coast. Ann shared her adult years in Vancouver with her siblings Sheila Ross, Jane McLennan, Helen Graham and brothers Phillip and Bill Graham. She was predeceased by her siblings, Mary Graham, Margie Neeson, Ki Weir, Ronald Graham, Peter Graham, John Graham, and David Graham. The family connections run deep in all areas of Canada due to a multitude of offspring. If you turn any corner in Canada, there is a good chance a Graham relative or friend will be revealed. In Vancouver with her family members and their many friends, Ann was known for her genuine love for close friendships and her essential kindness. Ann started her own family beginning in 1943 with the birth of her daughter, Margaret Ann, the first grandchild of Ronnie Graham. The Graham family dynasty has since expanded far beyond the comprehension of most acquaintances of its various family members. Ann was married to Milton Angus until her divorce in 1970. She truly enjoyed a fruitful life instilling in her children Margaret, Robert, Richard, Beverley and Dorothy, a desire to follow in her hard to fill shoes. She has eight grandchildren, Brenda, Barbara, Richard, Christine, John, Ryan, Natalie and Karina. She has three great-grandchildren, Georgia, Miranda and Tristan. With her many friends always at her side and her many and varied worldly interests she did indeed live life to the fullest, enjoying extensive travel and attending and supporting the arts, especially her beloved opera. Ann loved spending summers with her children, beginning at Crescent Beach in the 1950's, and thereafter enjoying many special road trips. Eventually, Ann targeted Bowen Island, the site of her father's commercial development run by Union Steamships in the 1930's. By the time she outgrew Bowen Island, after 40 years in residence, her active participation helped maintain the history of the area through the preservation of the General Store and library. Ann primarily devoted her time and energies to her family. In the '70's she went so far as to rent an apartment in Paris which allowed her to be closer to her young grandchildren. When her children outgrew the family vacations, Ann readily took up the renewed quest with her grandchildren. Many trips to all corners of the world were enjoyed by all, until poor health grounded her and even caused Ann to cease wintering in her Palm Desert, Ca. home. Ann prided herself on her vast knowledge of minutia, trivia and her attention to correct English grammar. Corrections were quick to be made if anyone transgressed in a casual conversation. A prime example of her concern with detail was when Ann searched her birth records at her baptismal church. When the priest left the room, Mom added a missing i to the spelling of her middle name. Playing games such as Spite and Malice and Scrabble, her personal favourites, were a staple of gatherings at home with her family. Ann was a competitor and did not enjoy defeat quietly. Mind you watching television with her was another unique experience, as the volume was always loud and her snoring during the movies had to be overcome. Ann's decline in health with the passing years and her periodic forgetfulness caused stressful moments, made more endurable by her primary caregiver and good friend for some twelve years, Nelia Madriaga. More recently, a second caregiver, Clinia, was added before she moved into a nursing home. The family wants to profusely thank the entire staff of South Granville Lodge for their over the top efforts to make her last days as comfortable as possible, especially Dennis, her ever attentive nurse. There will be a celebration of her life to be held Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 2 PM at St Mary's Anglican Church, 2490 W. 37th Avenue. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ann Claire Angus Foundation c/o The Vancouver Foundation, Suite 1200-555 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6B 4N6.

Arrangements under the direction of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Burnaby, BC.