Ann Doreen Wardlaw

(Retired Legal Secretary)

After 94 years of a well-lived life surrounded by love, Ann passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 1st, 2026. Ann is survived by her two sons, Brad (Kris) and Scott (Kim), and her beloved grandchildren, Erin, Katelyn (Adam), Jessie, Colleen (Jacob), and Nicholas. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Edward (Ed) Wardlaw, as well as her sister, Isobel Miller (Bob), and brother, Alan Bowler (Eve).

Ann will be lovingly remembered for her kindness, generosity, love of fashion, and especially her love of the colour purple, which brought her joy and a spark to every place she called home.

Ann's life was filled with beautiful moments that reflected the people and places she loved most. She treasured the years she and Ed spent caring for their grandchildren at their Grand Bend home, where countless memories were made in the backyard, at petting zoos, in local parks, and splashing in the water at the beach. She also made sure during every outing that her granddaughters were always dressed in matching outfits (probably purple). She was a creative artist who spent countless hours making many of the decorations that are still lovingly unpacked every Christmas: The Three Wise Men crafted from recycled beer bottles and felt, hand-knit stockings complete with Santa's fuzzy beard, and the famous poodle ornaments with their pom-pom ears. These treasured creations remain lasting reminders of her creativity and her favourite time of year.

Nothing brought Ann more happiness than having family around her. Whenever her children or grandchildren visited her at the retirement home, she would inevitably ask, "Do you want some pickies to eat?" Even if the answer was no, she was already preparing snacks for the table. Hospitality simply came naturally to her. She was an affectionate, loving person who cherished the life she built with Ed, her sons, and her grandchildren. There was never a time she would turn down a visit from family.

Ann also adored spending time by the water, especially at Wasaga Beach, where she, Ed, and her sons built a lifetime of treasured memories, and then later at her home on Lake Scugog. They also looked forward to spending their winters in Florida, a place that became their home away from home. Even well into her 80s, she found every opportunity to return to the beach in the sand and soak up the warmth of the sunshine that she had always loved. Her life was one of love, laughter, and both new and familiar adventures. She always found a way to enjoy the things that brought her happiness and will be deeply missed as she reunites with Ed, perhaps somewhere on a beach once again.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Life for Ann will be held on September 19th from 12:00 pm. to 3:00 pm. at the Holiday Inn Express, 205 Eric T Smith Way, Aurora, ON, L4G 0Z6. Aurora Conference Room A&B on main floor. Food and beverages will be available.

Alzheimer Society of Canada

In memory of Ann, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, the nation's leading health charity dedicated to supporting people affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.