Ann Matthews Wilson Abouchar

Ann Abouchar (nee Wilson) peacefully passed on at her home on Tuesday, October 14, 2014. Predeceased by husband Professor Alan Abouchar, Ann was a loving sister of Douglas Wilson (Barbara) of Perth, Australia, joyful mother of Julie (William Gough) and Andrew (Abigail Abouchar), and devoted nana to Sally, Caroline and Joshua.

Ann led an extraordinary and inspiring life. Ann was born in Fuzhou (then called Foochow), Fujian, China in 1932. Her father worked as an engineer for Shell as part of the British ex-pat community in China. During the late 1930s, when the world became engulfed in war, Ann, her brother and her mother re-located to Philippines, thought to be a safe haven. However, with the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, the three of them were placed in a concentration camp. Ann’s father was in a concentration camp in Hong Kong. Throughout her life, Ann felt an enduring gratitude for the role of the Americans who managed to save all of the internees from execution. After the war, Ann’s family was re-united in England where Ann flourished in a Christian Science boarding school, quickly making up for lost time and graduating top in her class. She then trained to become an Executive Secretary and began travelling the world with her skill set. While working in New York she met and married Alan Abouchar. Alan secured a teaching position at the University of Toronto, and Ann enthusiastically and lovingly devoted herself to family life in Toronto. After raising her children, Ann turned her organizational talents to home renovations and successfully and profitably renovated a series of homes in the 1980s. After Alan’s passing, Ann moved into a new phase of her life which included extensive travel, much theatre and grandparenthood. Throughout Ann’s life, she was noted for her poise, grace, and kindness. Her faith was central to her life. She embraced everyone she met with warmth and an engaging sense of humour.

Consistent with Ann’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service. Ann’s family is gratefully receiving reminiscences through www.trullfuneralsyonge.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Tarragon Theatre [email protected].