Obituary for
Anne Laverty (Donnelly)
Anne Laverty
B. Sept. 28, 1932 Portadown, Northern Ireland
D. April 24, 2018 Calgary, Alberta
Anne Laverty joined her beloved husband Joseph for the next stage of their adventure together, in the early morning hours of April 24, 2018, following a long struggle with heart disease. She passed with her loving family at her side, secure in the knowledge that she was beloved by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Anne was born in Portadown, Northern Ireland in 1932 to Edward and May Donnelly, one of five children. Edward was a master coachbuilder who left the U.S. to return to his ancestral home. He built wooden caravans and shooting brake bodies that were sold throughout the United Kingdom and he and May provided Anne with a loving upbringing and a superior education for her time. Through the hardships of the Great Depression and Second World War, Anne recalled happy memories and developed an exceptional singing voice and a love for dancing. It was at a dance that she met a handsome young man from the Republic of Ireland, Joe Laverty, and started a romance that would endure throughout her lifetime.
Joe left Ireland for the opportunity to become a cowboy on a ranch in Canada, but promised before he left to send for Anne. He kept that promise and in 1954 sent Anne a second-class ticket on the MV Georgic from Ireland to Montreal and a train ticket from there to Medicine Hat, Alberta. It was a great upgrade from Joe’s own travels and the last luxury she would enjoy for some time. Anne and Joe were married at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Medicine Hat on June 2, 1954, one day after her arrival, and the young couple moved to the ranch of Eugene Burton in southwestern Saskatchewan. Life on the ranch was a big change from her urban upbringing in Ireland, but Anne adapted with the good humor and resourcefulness that was the hallmark of her life. Anne also survived the staggering loss of her first child at birth, Maureen Sheila, on February 20, 1955. Although heartbroken, Anne’s faith in God was strong, and she and Joe were blessed with another child, Michael (Erika), in 1957, followed by Eugene (Jennefer) in 1959, Joanne in 1961, Kathleen in 1962 and James in 1964.
Joe left the ranch life for the oilfields in the 1960s and the family moved from Medicine Hat to Calgary before eventually settling in Crossfield in 1971. While Joe worked on pioneering projects in Canada’s oil industry, Anne kept the home fires burning during his absences. After making sure all her children were safely in school, Anne began working at the Rocky View Lodge in Crossfield and, among other things, taught herself to drive. Anne became a fixture in choirs and social clubs around Crossfield and she and Joe were well known in the horse racing and chuckwagon racing communities for the quality of care animals received at the farm, affectionately known as “Drumboe Acres” in honor of Joe’s birthplace. Life on the farm also saw the arrival of grandchildren, and left with precious memories of life there with Nanny and Papa are T.J. (Jaecie), John (Serena), Shea (Brandi), Megan (Ash), Gavin, Christopher, Kevin, Marshall, Lauren, Geoffrey (Michelle), Corinna and great-granddaughter Tanya.
Joe passed away suddenly in 2009, leaving Anne and the family heartbroken. Anne moved back to the town of Crossfield shortly thereafter where, with the support of her children and close friends, she remained active in the community. Nanny’s house welcomed twin great-granddaughters Charlotte and Madison. Anne decided to learn computer skills in her late 70s and her family was introduced to Cyber Nanny, whose posts on social media brought her closer to all her family.
A decline in Anne’s health caused a move to Covenant Care’s Holy Cross Manor in Calgary in 2017. At Holy Cross she continued to make friends and sing in the choir, and was popular with the residents at the facility. During her time at Holy Cross she met her most-recent great-grandchildren, Averie, Ashlynn and Burton. Anne’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest source of pride, a feeling that is reciprocated by her descendants.
Anne remained at Holy Cross until her last few days when, as her heart failed, she moved to Foothills Hospital. The family would like to thank the staff at Holy Cross for going to extraordinary lengths to keep Anne in her home as long as possible. Thanks also to the medical and pastoral staff on Ward 62 of the Foothills for the loving care they provided.
Throughout her life, Anne had an abiding faith in God which she unabashedly instilled in her family. While she loved her life, she passed into the next one confident that she would be reunited with Joe and her family. Her children all know that this is true. God bless and Godspeed Mom and Nanny. We will all be happy to see you again.
Anne was predeceased by her parents and siblings. Left to mourn are her children, their families and numerous beloved nieces and nephews in Medicine Hat and Ireland. Those wishing to do so may make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada in lieu of flowers.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Carstairs on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 1:00 pm. The family looks forward to welcoming all Anne’s friends at a Memorial Open House at Crossfield Library, Main St. Crossfield, on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Anne please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Anne Laverty Donnelly 1932 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: CALGARY, Province: Alberta