E. Anne Mitchell

Anne is survived by her daughter Linda (Robin) (who is called Lynn by everyone except her mother), her granddaughter Michelle (Shawn), grandsons Jonathan and Brandon, 5 great-grandkids; Sierra, Fintan, Tyler, Iain and Jessica, longtime partner North, and little sister Jean (Vic).  Anne is predeceased by her daughter Denise (2011), granddaughter Amber (1991) and husband Bob (2000)

Born in Calgary in 1936, and raised on the family farm in Madden, Anne was the second youngest of 7 children to Eva and George Marles.

As a young woman, Anne moved to Ontario and raised her two daughters in Toronto. Eventually she found herself working for IBM (when home computers were just becoming a “thing”) where she met her husband, Bob. They retired to Vancouver Island in 1990. This move brought her closer to her mother and siblings. Her eldest daughter followed her a few years later.

Her daughter and granddaughter were able to spend Anne’s final hours with her. In the days following her passing, many friends of Anne sent messages, slipped cards under the door, or knocked to exchange a hug and share their grief. The common sentiments shared by all who knew her are that Anne was a classy, elegant, independent, creative and kind soul. Always up for meaningful conversations, she had an ability to make friends with anyone (if you ever stood in an elevator or a grocery line with her, you know what we mean).  She discovered an artistic streak in her later years; her apartment and North’s house are decorated with her paintings, and everyone received handmade cards for birthdays and Christmas.

If you knew Anne, we encourage you to take a moment and think of a memory or story you have. If you find yourself on the shores of an ocean, please take a walk and think of Anne-she loved her walks along the beach or water trail-a place where she made many friends out of strangers.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Palliative Care Unit at Nanaimo General Hospital in her name would be appreciated.

We recently heard that no one is truly gone until there is no one left to speak their name. Anne, mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, wife, partner, friend; you will live on forever in our hearts and memories.