She was predeceased by her loving husband Ray, her father Leonard, mother Signe, sisters Myrtha and Neva and grandson Andrew.
Mom is lovingly remembered by her daughter Diane (Garry) Gillis; son Ray (Dawn) Croker; daughter Charlene Freeson; son Barry (Shelly) Croker; daughter Karen (Tim) Rowan; daughter Ruth (Gerry) Denboer; son Vince (Bonnie) Croker; son Bob (Kim) Croker; son Tim (Darlene) Croker; and son Chuck (Wendy) Croker; 23 grandchildren and spouses; and many great grandchildren; brother John (Elsie); sisters-in-law Iris, Joyce and Gail; brother-in-law Gary (Cathy) and many extended family.
Born September 18, 1930 in Spirit River Alberta, Annie came with her twin sister, Myrtha born 15 minutes after her. Around three years of age, her family’s home in Spirit River burned down with the family losing everything. Shortly after, they moved to a homestead property about 40 miles away, living there for the next seven years. At seven years of age, Mom had her own trap line and helped to support the family’s meager income. Her family moved to nearby West Peoria, when she was eleven which provided an opportunity for Mom and her siblings to attend school. At thirteen, her mother unexpectedly passed away during the night – a hardship for the family. A year or so later, her father sent Annie and Myrtha to Grand Prairie to work in the hospital as Ward Aids, living in the nurses’ residence. A few years later, Myrtha decided to move to Edmonton for work and soon after, Mom followed.
At nineteen, while working for and attending the Salvation Army Citadel, Annie met Ray, the love of her life. They were married on September 22, 1951 and through the years God blessed them with 10 children. Mom was an amazing “stay at home” mother and homemaker. Times were tough, but Mom trusted God to supply everything we needed. Mom knew how to pray, she was a prayer warrior. When she prayed, God answered her, miracles happened. With her whole heart, she believed the Word of God and lived it by faith. She was always there for us kids, providing us with yummy home cooking including pies, breads and her delicious potato salad. No matter where we lived, Mom always made sure that home was a comforting and safe place to be.
Soon after Dad’s last posting to Shilo, he took an early release from the Canadian Forces in 1975. Dad and Mom longed to serve the Lord in full-time ministry and in 1976 became the Manager/Caretakers of Manhattan Beach Pentecostal Camp in Manitoba. From 1982 until retirement, they pastored a number of PAOC Churches including Carberry, MB; Fort Frances, ON; and Grandview MB.
At 65 years of age, prairie winters were becoming difficult to manage so in 2003 they decided to pack up and settled in Chilliwack, BC. Mom lived her life of love to God through continuous service to others. Even in her sunset years, her light continued to shine. She inspired many, was an encourager, faithfully remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and sending cards for special occasions.
Their last move, in 2013, was to the assisted living in the Waverly Seniors Village; with Dad moving into residential care in 2017. The Waverly was their last home until Dad was called to heaven in January and now Mom in October. With the many moves over her lifetime, Mom would say, “Home is where I hang my hat!” Her hat is now hanging in heaven, her final home – no more moves.
We have experienced the blessing of God in our lives here on earth with the gift of our Mother and one day look forward to spending all of eternity together. Mom’s words throughout her life to us were, “This world is not our home, we’re just passing through.”
Thank you to the wonderful staff at the Waverly, who loved and cared for our mother – especially over the last few years during Covid. Thank you to the doctors and nurses at Chilliwack Hospital who lovingly cared for our mother after her fall on October 21 resulting in her passing.
“But until then, our hearts will go on singing, Until then with joy we’ll carry on, Until the day our eyes behold the city, Until the day, God calls us home.”
Mom's wishes were for a private family service with burial. Serving as pallbearers are her six sons, Ray, Barry, Vince, Bob, Tim and Chuck.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawn-mtcheam.ca for the Croker family.
