Anne Leslie Jamieson Orton

Many things can be said about Anne Leslie Jamieson Orton. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Anne was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

       Her parents were Jim and Jessie Smith. Anne was raised in Motherwell, Scotland, Hamilton, ON, Cambridge (Galt), ON. When she was young, Anne's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Anne demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.

      Anne grew up with 3 Siblings. She had an older brother Gord, a younger sister Barb and her youngest brother Jim. Anne was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Anne carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Anne was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.

      During her high school years, Anne had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She graduated from Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School in 1966. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Anne had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Anne was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Anne as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Duke.

      Always considered a “good” friend, Anne sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Anne always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Anne’s friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in her dealings with others. Anne would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Anne was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life she had many friends. While growing up, some of her best friends were Ann Kappler and Judy. Later in life, she became friends with Judy and Charlie Cross.

      On April 5, 1969 Anne married Albert William Orton at the First United Church of Cambridge (Galt), ON. Compassionate and devoted, Anne worked hard to make her new family happy. She was always generous with her time and this meant that Bill came first in Anne’s book. She was always caring and made certain that she considered Bill’s feelings. By trusting her emotions, Anne did her best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Anne was truly a person of empathy.

      Anne’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good mother to her children. Anne shared these values with her Two Children, Two sons, Billy and Alan. Anne was also blessed with Four Grandchildren, Jennah, Jonathon, Michael, Christopher. Anne related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them.

      Anne experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was her primary occupation was in Accounts. She was employed for 21 Years with Reuter-Stokes/Imaging and Sensing Technology in Cambridge, ON. Anne always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Anne took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Anne was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Anne continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.

      Because she was organized and methodical, Anne took great pleasure in her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were gardening, sewing, reading, cooking, watching sports and going to the casino. Anne enjoyed sharing her passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

      Anne derived much satisfaction from sports. Because she was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Anne delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. In high school, Anne played basketball and volleyball. Recreational sports included 5 pin bowling in both women's and mixed. Anne was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite teams' events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were auto racing, hockey, baseball and golf.

      Though she never did anything solely for individual recognition, Anne was given accolades for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. If the truth were known, Anne was always a little uncomfortable with being singled out for recognition. Some of her most prestigious awards included wining a gold medal at the Ontario Seniors Games for 5 Pin Bowling and winning the Ontario Women's Provincials in 5 Pin Bowling.

      Anne enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Anne were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Florida, Nashville, Las Vegas, Canada's East Coast (including the Cabot Trail and PEI), Lake Superior Circle Tour (Including Moosonee and Moose Factory, ON) and Branson, MO.

      Anne was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Anne's favorite was Spooky, a dog with a mix of walker hound and collie. They were best friends for 10 years. Her family was rounded out by her St. Bernard : Benjamin. Jinx the cat, Roo the Polar Bear Dog, and the cats Lucy and Matilda.

      When Anne’s retirement finally came in 2005, she was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that she was, Anne had taken care to plan for this part of her life. When that time eventually arrived, Anne knew exactly what she wanted to do. Her new life involved relocating to Merlin, ON to be closer to family and enjoy a quiet life by the lake. In retirement, she found new pleasure in Senior's 5 pin Bowling, Cooking Classes and Casino Trips and Concerts. Even in retirement, Anne continued to stay in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

      Anne passed away on June 16, 2018 at London Health Science Center: University Hospital, London, ON. Anne fought Crohn's disease but a ruptured bowel is what took her life. She is survived by her husband Bill, Sons Billy (Kim) and Alan. Nana to Jennah, Jonathon, Michael and Christopher. Sister Barb (Art), Jim (Carm), and sister in law Francine. Predeceased by her parents Jim and Jessie Smith and her older brother Gord. Services were held at Coutts Funeral Home in Cambridge, ON. Anne was cremated.

      Throughout her life, Anne was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Anne leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Anne Leslie Jamieson Orton.

Anne's Eulogy by Barb Dawson

Anne and I shared many things.

Parents, brothers, a bedroom, a love of black licorice, soda water, fritters, mushy peas, trifle, black currant anything and Coronation Street to name a few.

We even married men with the same birth day.

Anne was more than a sister. She was like a second mother to us.

She taught me how to ice skate, encouraged me to try new foods, and to appreciate cook books.

I grew up appreciating different styles of music, although her love for Elvis was deeper than mine.

Growing up on Samuelson Street we shared a double bed and somehow over time the mattress buckled up instead of sagging.

I found out when she got married that she had been hoarding things under the bed.

Just kept shoving them under and that forced the mattress to buckle.

I couldn't sleep for the longest time after she moved out because the mattress was no longer lumpy.

We had many adventures together.

Anne and Bill took Jim and I to our first drive in movie.

It was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

I think that they brought us so they could see the movie using us as cover.

There were many weekends spent at 121 Johnston Avenue.

Summers were filled with swimming and pitching horseshoes and winters with toboganning and hot chocolate.

She had her own little traditions such as stripping all the beds on New Years Eve so they would have clean sheets to start the New Year with.

As we got older, we may not have spent as much time together, but one phone call and we were caught up again.

Throughout her life Anne always made friends wherever she went.

Before her health deteriorated, she enjoyed bowling with the Blenheim Seniors.

She bowled well enough to get herself to the National finals in British Columbia.

She talked me into going to Blenheim and bowling with the league and I thought that it would be a good way to spend an afternoon together every week.

We had a good time.

Gambled on the score of the second game.

The highest score took the pot and the ante was 25 cents.

When they moved from Merlin to London, I continued to bowl in Blenheim, bringing Art with me as well once he retired.

A number of the people at the alley oftened asked how Anne and Bill were doing.

Our family in Canada wasn't very large and Anne and I would meet up with our Burlington area cousins for an outing.

Usually we would pick a small town or village somewhere in between Burlington and London and have a lunch and check out some of the local boutique stores.

We were set to meet in Paris for our most recent one, when Anne was in hospital and it had to be cancelled.

My sister was a kind hearted, gentle soul who has left a big void in my heart by passing on.

I am sure that that void is shared with all of you as well.

I have a ceramic coaster that Anne gave to me that pretty well sums up our relationship, with her quirky sense of humour.

I'm smiling because you're my sister.

I am laughing because there's nothing you can do about it.

Thank you Anne for always being there for and with me.

We didn't always agree on things, but that never affected the sister bond.

That bond will live on in my heart and my precious memories

Until we meet again.

Anne's Eulogy by Jim Smith

Eulogy for Anne

Good afternoon. Thank you all for coming. I know it means a lot to Bill and the Boys having you with us today for Anne’s Memorial.

For those who I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting, I am Anne’s youngest brother Jim, better known within the family circles as Wee Jimmy.

I pondered….how does one adequately do justice eulogizing a person for a few minutes, after they have lived a full and wholesome lifetime filled with adventures and achievements, too numerous to count?

Well I simply can’t… and sadly I won’t even try.

Rather, I’ll give you a brief snapshot of Anne from my perspective as the youngest sibling of four.

My sister, Anne, 17 years my senior, married Bill in April 1969 when I was just 4. She was more than my big sister, she was a second mother to me, and in many ways helped shape the person I am today.

A very kind, approachable, caring, and thoughtful woman, who went out of her way to share her infectious warmth and friendliness with others – especially strangers.

She had a wonderful free spirit, a down-to-earth good soul, which endeared her to everyone she came in contact with, and it’s a great testament to her nature that she formed so many long lasting friendships over the years. Many of you here today can attest to that.

Annabelle (as Bill so fondly called her) enjoyed travelling, usually by car, and each trip was filled with mystique and adventure. Guaranteed, there would be no dull moments on an Orton excursion, usually the result of Bill’s shenanigans. One summer I accompanied them to Lake Placid and Upper NY State, and Barb to Florida with them on another. We will both attest to having a wonderful experience and many fond memories of our fun times together.

Never one to pass on an opportunity to socialize; a Scottish tradition she proudly honoured; Anne enjoyed hosting family celebrations, holidays, game nights, and other festive occasions. Everyone was welcome. It didn’t matter who you belonged to, she made sure you felt at home. A gracious hostess, always concerned with ensuring her guests were well looked after.

Many of you I’m sure can recall visits to their old house in Hespeler, a place the locals referred to as Orton Park. In fact, I’d be willing to bet you’ve pitched your tent or trailer at some point, partaken in the festivities, a barbecue perhaps, played a game of horseshoes or two, gone swimming, or simply chilled and enjoyed the fire pit, with the sounds of Elvis blaring in the background.

I spent a great deal of my early childhood years with Anne, hanging out at Orton Park; or visiting fairs, circuses, the CNE; and on road trips, and shopping excursions, to name but a few.

Years later, she even helped me land a summer job at Silknit working alongside her in the office, doing data entry and filing. She was a good boss, a patient lady, an honest and hard-working employee, well respected by her colleagues and peers.

Hockey; and sports for that matter; were a big part of my sister’s life. After Sunday family dinner at our house, Barb and I would often join her to watch, and cheer Bill on with his net-minding, up in Kitchener. It was a longstanding Smith-Orton ritual.

I was 9 when Billy, her first, was born in January 1974. Anne had been trying unsuccessfully for several years to have children, so understandably was ecstatic when motherhood finally arrived. Alan followed 2 years later. Anne relished in her new role, spoiling all 3 of her boys, yet still finding the time to watch over her little brother.

Speaking of hockey, as her boys progressed through their leagues, she would hardly ever miss a game, or tournament, and would travel to countless arenas, spreading her festive cheer with anyone and everyone, it didn’t matter if you were on the opposing team or not.

That’s who she was. A people person. A kindred spirit. Once you met my sister Anne, even if only a brief encounter, it was as if you knew her a lifetime.

These are a few of the many fond memories I have of my wonderful big sister, which I shall cherish, and whom I will sadly miss.

God bless you always Anne.

* * * * * * * * * *

Peacefully passed away on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at London Health Sciences- University Hospital surrounded by her family in her 71st year. Beloved wife to Bill of nearly 50 wonderful years. Loving mother to Bill (Kim Hemmens) and Alan. Proud Nana to Jennah, Jonathon, Michael and Christopher. Dear sister to Barb (Art), Jim (Carm) and sister-in-law to Francine. Anne is predeceased by her parents Jim and Jessie Smith and brother Gord. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her extended family and friends. In keeping with Anne’s wishes cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St. Andrews Street, Cambridge (519-621-1650) at 2:00 p.m. with one hour of visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crohn's and Colitis Canada in her memory. A very special thank you to the Doctors and nurses who cared for Anne during her stay at University Hospital.