Mrs Anna May Loveridge

Ann Loveridge passed away peacefully Monday evening, March 3rd, at Chilliwack Hospital. Born Anna May Walker on September 15th, 1922 in Vancouver, she was the eldest daughter of Scottish immigrants, Lee and Jeannie Walker, and the first generation of a new Canadian family. Anna met and married Al Loveridge during the war, and they had three sons, Lee, Ken and Don. After Al’s wartime service, the Engineer Military School in Vedder Crossing became home in the late 1940’s, and as Al’s army career progressed, the family had several postings to Eastern Canada, but also spent several years in Chilliwack.

Although she had no daughters, Ann spent a number of years as a Girl Guide leader in Ottawa and at Camp Gagetown in New Brunswick. Following Al’s army service, in the late 1960’s, Ann and Al spent time in Prince Albert, where he helped to develop and run a life skills programme. They then moved to Brandon, Manitoba, where Al became the Principal of the new Community College. Three years were spent in the Seychelles developing a community training college, which opened the door for some world travels, and they both enjoyed that very much. Visits to Pakistan, Kenya, Singapore, China, and Europe were fond memories. After their retirement, Al and Ann spent several years in Brandon, but finally decided to return home to BC, and the Chilliwack area in particular, where so many friends lived. Ann knitted and sewed for the family all her life, but she had a great love for weaving, and was active with the local Weaver’s Guild. After 67 years of marriage, Al passed away in 2008.

Ann is survived by her three sons and their families, including seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Lee and Colleen live in White Rock, BC, while their daughter Lisa and husband Joe Melanson live in Surrey with daughter Ashlea, and son Ryan and wife Emily live in Vancouver with daughters Maris and Margo. Ken and Susan live in Coldstream, BC, close to daughter Jessica and husband John Gareau, with daughters Rachel and Kate, and son Luke. Son David and wife Heidi reside in Victoria, while son Mark lives in Coldstream. Don lives in Wellington, New Zealand, where son Ian is finishing a second university degree and daughter Helen has just completed her first. Their mother Jenny Young-Loveridge lives in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Mom has been living at Birchwood for the past few years, and the family would like to thank the staff for their kindness. We especially would like to thank the Goodey family: Mike and Donna and “Aunty” Gwen - her best friend for many years, for all their love and help.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 10th, at the Henderson Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow, and all are welcome.