Barbara Anne Alexander

(Irish, née Woods) "Known as Grannie Annie"

"I am a 4th generation in Victoria, BC, with first family arriving in May 1851. I have met six generations of my wonderful family in my lifetime. I pray those left behind may see the Earth a better place than when I left it for 'the better place' promised by the Word of God... to receive an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for me (1 Peter 1:4). Amen. My favorite song as I depart naturally is Joy to the World and a better place it will be, with peace forevermore."

Anne “Grannie Annie” Alexander passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends at the age of 84 years old.

Predeceased by her parents, Percival George Woods and Elizabeth Adelaide Barnes; brother, Bill Woods; sister, Sheila and husband Joe Kingcott; niece, Debbie Sherwood; nephew, Bradley Kingcott; and former husbands, Don Irish and Tom Alexander.

Grannie Annie leaves behind in love:

Daughter Morgan Irish (Ara Sagherian), grand-children Alex and Ben Sagherian, Ian (Brittany) Walsh, Mark (Patrice) Walsh, Rachael (Chris) Seeley, and great-grand-children Billy, Lyra, Serena, Casey, Loki, Willow, and Cullen.

Son Kelly Irish (Kari Bailey), grand-children Ashley (Ryan) Service, Melissa Irish (Braydon Kellett), Arly Irish, Reann Callow and great-grand-children Austin, Peyton, Stella, Kaliah, Gavin, Owen.

Daughter Tricia Irish and grand-child Dylan Burton.

Son Tom (Paulina) Alexander, grand-children Matthew (Brina Atkinson), Stephanie, Mackenzie, Morgan and great-grand-child Garet.

Special nephew George (Angela) Kingcott and family, of whom she held fond memories.

She also leaves behind many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her "Lunch Bunch" amazing friends from her school days who stayed in touch for more than 70 years, and many helpful family members, friends, and faith friends who supported her through her toughest days. Thank you, Lord, and bless all their kind hearts.

Who was Grannie Annie? Her favorite time was the many years she spent volunteering at Camp Qwanoes, a happy place built on prayer where thousands of children made lifelong memories. Within her community, she "went through the chairs" to become President and Past President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Duncan, BC. She worked and volunteered in many school districts, both public and private, with a special heart for helping children through difficult circumstances. Alongside her family, she also hosted children from Mexico for several summers through Intercambio.

Her career was as varied as her interests, fueled by a lifelong entrepreneurial and creative spirit. She began at Woolco and later worked as an office administrator and bookkeeper for two large local construction companies. She ran a clothing store and T-shirt shop and operated a custom lampshade business, sharing her craft by teaching others at home and at Malaspina College. At age 60, she took a break from the office to enjoy the social life of the Royal Roads University cafeteria, later running her own home-based bookkeeping business until her retirement at age 69.

Grannie Annie went where life took her. She was a free spirit who found joy in the simple, beautiful things: her lush gardens, the peace of Yellowpoint Lodge, and her cherished swims in the ocean from as early as May until as late as October. She enjoyed and coped with all the twists and turns of life’s challenges. As her friend Shirley always said, "I’m not going to worry about you, as you always land on your own two feet!"

With a heart full of love, Grannie Annie led the way in creating a new legacy for her family. Having paved a path of resilience, she now passes the torch to the next generation, trusting them to build upon that foundation and keep reaching for the highest prize. As Grannie Annie would say, "Believe. There is a better place, and you too will get there. Seek and ye shall find."

Thanks to the Palliative Care Team at Island Health and to Annie’s dear friends Carolyn & Gavin Laukkanen, for their gentle support during her peaceful passing at home.

A funeral with reception to follow will be held at Yates Memorial in Parksville, BC on Saturday April 25th at 12:30pm. Wear your bright, colourful outfits in celebration of Annie's colourful life! All are welcome to attend.

In memory of Grannie Annie, please consider taking a swim in the ocean, planting something beautiful in your garden, or making a donation to Camp Qwanoes (qwanoes.ca/donate) in lieu of flowers. Visit anniealexander.ca.