Anne Louise Ring

With heavy hearts, the family of Anne Louise Ring (Forbes) announces her passing on June 6, 2025. Born in Halifax on March 31, 1962, Anne was the beloved daughter of Charlotte Louise (Harrison) and the late Thomas Forbes.

Anne will be deeply missed by her loving husband of 38 years, Mark Francis, her daughter Jessica Louise, her son Andrew Francis (Cassandra), and her cherished mother, Charlotte. She will always be fondly remembered by her three “little” brothers: Derek of Lawrencetown, NS, Thomas (Virginia Lesuik) of Richmond, BC, and Ian of Ottawa, ON.

She leaves behind a large and loving extended family, including her special nieces and nephews: Ashli, Jackson, Sydney, Clair, Charlotte, Duncan, Ryan (Bonna), Laura (Adam), Rod (Kathleen), Kelli (Oliver), Chad (Emma), Natalie (Greg), Harlow (Dave), Liam, and Evan. Anne is also survived by her Ring in-laws: Bob (Dianne), Janet Randall (Peter), Dennis (Donn), Dawna (Doug), Bruce (Janice), Debbie, and Barry (Kathleen). She was predeceased by her father, Thomas Forbes; paternal grandparents, Thomas and Agnes (McGuigan) Forbes; maternal grandparents, Russell and Annie Laura (Clancy) Harrison; and her in-laws, Jean (Horne) and Donald Ring.

Anne was a proud graduate of Prince Andrew High School, Mount Saint Vincent University, and Acadia University. A passionate believer in the power of education, she passed her love of learning on to her children and to generations of students. She loved both watching and playing sports, especially hockey, and never missed a chance to cheer for her beloved Montreal Canadiens. She was a strong sprint swimmer, paddler and ringette player, with numerous gold medals and national records to her name.

Anne adored animals, believing that a home wasn’t truly complete without at least one cat. She delighted in celebrating her family’s milestones, graduations, anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and Sunday dinners, often planning every detail with her signature lists and enthusiasm. Adventurous at heart, Anne never shied away from new experiences. Whether it was skydiving, scuba diving, riding her motorcycle, or surprising Mark with a hot air balloon ride he hadn’t exactly asked for (but eventually enjoyed), she embraced all that life had to offer. She also had a love for travel and was especially excited about exploring the country with Mark in their new convertible. When she wasn’t planning the next adventure, Anne found comfort and creativity in knitting, a skill she quickly mastered.

Anne began her teaching career in 1985 in Labrador City, where she made lifelong friends, joined the Granny Greener ski club, and embraced the spirit of northern adventure. She later taught in schools throughout HRM and completed her career as principal of Harrietsfield Elementary. Known as a warm and caring educator, she had class pets, hatched chicks, and was the go-to person when a student had a loose tooth.

Anne was a dedicated volunteer and an active member of her community. She gave her time freely as a Girl Guide leader, ringette and hockey coach, Duke of Edinburgh leader, lay minister, CKC paddling official, and board member at both Banook Canoe Club and ADCKC. Most recently, she played a pivotal role in Banook’s capital campaign, helping bring the vision for the club’s future to life. For eight years, Anne was also a proud host mom to her Belarusian daughter, Krystina Androsova.

Outside of work and volunteering, Anne had a rich social life. She loved meeting at cafes and bars with her knitting group, attending and planning themed dinner parties, as well as book club and lunches with her retired teacher friends. Social media became a way for her to stay connected and celebrate her wide circle of friendships.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who supported Anne throughout her illness with such kindness and compassion. Anne faced cancer with courage, grace, and a little dark humour. She believed in staying positive and finding blessings in every situation, no matter how difficult. Her outlook was clear: accept life as it is, not only as you wish it to be.

Visitation will take place on Friday, June 13, at Mattatall’s Funeral Home,217 Portland St, Dartmouth, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. A Funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Guadaloupe Parish, 10 Maple Street, Dartmouth, on Saturday, June 14, at 11 am. A reception will follow at Mic Mac AAC (192 Prince Albert Rd) from 12:30 to 3:30.

In Anne’s memory, please consider reaching out to someone who might need a visit or a phone call. Anne deeply appreciated those who reached out when she needed it most. Life rarely gives us perfect moments, but when it does, we must treasure them.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Banook Canoe Club Capital Campaign. https://banookcanoeclub.com/capital-campaign/