Ann Johnstone Fraser

Ann Johnstone Getty was an only child born in 1938 in Partick in the West End of Glasgow, Scotland. Her mother a talented baker and father an engine fitter building ships on the River Clyde. Well loved by family and neighbors, during the war years many shared their weekly egg rations with Ann so she would grow big and strong. Certainly, the strong part worked.

Ann Fraser was simply charming. She was once described as a hummingbird, something tiny, beautiful, darting, and vulnerable, yet with an underlying strength far outweighing its appearance. She had a twinkle in her eyes and lived her life by demonstrating kindness and caring to others.

She learned hospitality from her mother with strong intuition for support and love. Ann welcomed guests to her home with the kettle on, a cup of tea and a biscuit. She treated everyone with respect and compassion.

Working as a hairdresser in Glasgow, Ann met Ian Fraser, a handsome young engineer, in 1958. Ann and Ian married in 1959, had three daughters and a son. Ann excelled in motherhood and used her skills as a hairdresser, seamstress, knitter, and baker to care for her family. Her girls, all minis of herself, were lined up by height in knitted cardigans with different colored buttons, and wee Ian, her number one son, all benefited from her skills as a mother.

Ann kept the home front running while Ian traveled the world for his job. She hosted many dinners with friends, neighbors and Ian’s business colleagues, charming each with her hospitality. She was the consummate host, beautiful from the inside out.

Ann was an animal lover who also doted on her four-legged family. She was particularly fond of her Yorkshire terrier, wee Timmy, the Laird of Rozelle. All the family cats were strays, Mr. Spock, Angus, and Alice, who “adopted” Ann.

The family’s emigration to South Carolina in 1980 was a challenging transition for Ann because she left behind family and many good friends. Ann joined a fitness center and met a group of like-minded women affectionately known as “The Ladies”. They exercised together Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, building a life-long bond and ending each exercise session by enjoying coffee and a chat at The Mall. For 35 years the ladies loved, supported, and strengthened each other.

In her later years, Ann adored her three grandchildren. Again, her talent for knitting and sewing benefited her grandchildren with handmade clothes and toys. She dedicated a wall in her kitchen to her grandchildren’s artwork. When she learned of children living at Miracle Hill Women’s Shelter, she bought teddy bears, knitted cute sweaters, and donated them to the shelter.

With her parents age-related decline, Ann often traveled back to Scotland to care for them while remaining resolute and strong. She understood the power of a smile or just simply sitting and holding hands. Many small things she did had huge impacts on the recipients of her kindness.

Whether working in the kitchen, the garden or spending time with her family, Ann’s caring personality, hospitality and kindness never dwindled. In her final years, dementia took it’s toll. Ann Fraser would not go down without a fight. She left this world with a smile knowing she had done her best.

Ann is survived by her children, Leslie (Scott), Jill (Ross), and wee Ian (Susan), and grandchildren, Cameron, Kirstin, and Brodie. She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Elizabeth, her beloved daughter Karen, and her adored husband Ian.

The family are immensely grateful to her caregivers, who loved her unconditionally and strongly advocated for her care. Special thanks to the amazing team at Hospice of the Upstate who helped Ann and her family navigate the last couple of years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Upstate.

A celebration of life for Ann will be held at 11:00am on Monday, June 5th, 2023 at the Village Center at Rolling Green Village, 1 Hoke Smith Blvd, Greenville,SC 29615

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Fraser family.