Elizabeth Anne Stewart

Elizabeth Anne “Anna” Stewart of Salmon Arm, BC died the morning of Thursday 19 December in New Westminster, BC, only a few days after feeling short of breath while dancing.

Born in Vernon, BC on 5 April 1933 to James Douglas and Annie (Blair) Henderson, she grew up in Kelowna, and was fond of saying she lived in six different houses before she was six years old.

She performed as an ice dancer, earned her way through Normal School, then taught all over BC, including in a one-room schoolhouse on Denman Island, a mining camp in Windermere, at larger schools in Vancouver, and by exchange in Kent County, England.

She finished her teaching degree at UBC, then studied geography in Russia and water skiing in Corfu, spent over a year travelling the world, then married, and raised two lucky children. She founded Abbeyfield Houses of Vernon, hosted a cable TV show, and competed in dragon boating. Through her life she poured energy into her personal spiritual journey, at the Vancouver Holistic Healing Centre and Radiant Rose Academy.

Anna was predeceased by husband Peter Stewart and brothers Neil and Ron. She is fondly missed by daughter Robyn, son-in-law Wade Richards, son Ian, daughter-in-law Jeannie Cockcroft, grandson Connor, granddaughter Isla, sister-in-law Almalee Henderson, nine nieces and nephews, and many friends.

A celebration of Anna’s life will be held in the spring. Please e-mail [email protected] to be notified of time and place in Salmon Arm or Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, please direct your generosity and compassion to Operation Smile. https://www.operationsmile.org.