Ann Gardner Mayles passed away peacefully on April 5, 2021 at Majestic Oaks Continuing Care Complex in John Knox Village of Central Florida. She was born November 15, 1930 to the late Philip G. Nichols and Alice Paine Nichols in New London, Connecticut. The late Philip G. Nichols was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone in the late 1940’s as Marine Superintendent of the Panama Canal. Ann graduated from Balboa High School in 1948. She met and fell in love with John D. Mayles who had just returned from his enlistment in the British Army. He too graduated from Balboa High School in 1944 as did all six children. They married in South Weymouth, Massachusetts in 1950 and returned to Panama where they lived for 47 years before moving to Sugarmill Woods, Homosassa, Florida and later to John Know Village of Central Florida, Orange City, Florida.
Ann was a loving stay-at-home mother to six children. She enjoyed sewing and made her own bathing suits and many clothes for the family. We all loved to go to the beach or the swimming pool on the weekends. She was a member of the British Aid Society participating in many charitable activities around Panama City. For two years she worked as a Kindergarten teacher’s aide for the Department of Defense in the Canal Zone. Besides sewing, Ann had many hobbies she enjoyed. She loved playing bridge, gardening, making glass mosaics, creating flower arrangements, and painting to name a few. Her home was always beautifully decorated and so warm and welcoming to her family and friends. Ann loved attending parties and hosting them as well. She was a very talented and creative cook. Her table was always beautifully set and you knew a really great meal was about to be enjoyed. She was especially talented making fabulous and tasty cookies and the most delicious appetizers that found their way into many friends and family’s recipe collection.
Ann’s Goddaughter, Perrie Malcomson, wrote a fabulous and descriptive tribute which the family found described Ann beautifully. “Her infectious laugh, her vibrant smile, her deep love, her outfits with great statement necklaces, her yummy recipes and her hunt for fun flea market finds will always be how I remember her. She was the most loving godmother. When you both, Ann & John, would come to visit my parents in Miami, it was laughter for days. These are some of my fondest memories. I know she will see the glory of God and her loved ones in Heaven. Ann’s loving spirit will remain a legacy in all our hearts.”
Christmas and Easter were special occasions in the Mayles household. Ann saw to it that there was a Christmas stocking at the end of our bed, even when we visited as adults. During Easter, we always received an individual Easter basket with lots of fun items. It became a tradition in each of our family’s homes, celebrating the seasons with love, excitement, and joy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Philip and Alice Nichols, her sister, Ellen Paine McClelland and her brother-in-law, Robert McClelland. Ann also was preceded in death by two of her six children: John Bruce (42) and Pamela (48). They both passed away in Tucson, Arizona.
This lovely gracious lady had the ability to make you feel special. Her sense of humor enriched all who knew her. Ann had a great zest for life. Everyone loved to hear her contagious laugh. She was a blessing to us all.
Ann is survived by her husband of 70 years, John D. Mayles and four of her children: Lynn Mayles Patterson (David), William Brian Mayles (Gay Hope), Michael Kevin Mayles (Terri), Philip Andrew Mayles (April Hepler). Ann had eight grandsons and all were precious to her. They are in order of birth: Jason Williams, Jonathan Mayles (Jillian), Andrew Mayles, Denys Mayles(Deanna), Matthew Mayles, Patrick Mayles, Andrew Arkwright, and Luke Mayles. Ann was also blessed to have six great grandchildren, Noah, Caleb, Olivia, Audrie, Maya and Owen.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Deltona Memorial Funeral Home in Orange City, Florida.
Condolences may be offered at www.deltonamemorialfuneralhome.com
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