Anne R. Melanson
1931-2018
The family of Anne
Melanson is very sad to announce her passing on
November 29, at the age of 86.
Born on Christmas Day 1931 in River
Hebert, Nova Scotia, Anne was the daughter of the late William and
Jane (Brine) Melanson. She was predeceased by her siblings Ralph,
Mary, Fred, Leon and Bob, brothers and sisters-in-law Doris, Tom,
Irene, Alice, Nora and Russell, and niece Myrna. She is survived by
her siblings Allen (Toni) and Stella, as well as many nieces and
nephews who will miss her dearly.
Anne lived in River Hebert and West
Amherst until 1965, after which she and her beloved sister Mary began
sharing a home in Amherst until Mary’s passing in
2007. The two sisters also shared a cottage at “the
shore” in Lorneville, where friends and family were always
welcome.
Anne was a passionate lifelong reader,
enjoyed music, and would eagerly play cards for hours at a time.
Mostly though, she loved to be with family and friends,
hearing about everyone’s lives, and reminiscing of days and
loved ones gone by. Her recollection of names, places and
dates amazed everyone! She especially loved the frequent visits from
her cherished niece Gail. We will always be grateful to Gail and her
husband Joey for their support of Anne over the
years.
Anne was a devoted Catholic with deep
concern for those less fortunate than her. Anne was a member of the
Holy Family Parish, where she was a Lay Eucharistic Minister and a
proud choir and CWL member as well as a Sunday School teacher for many
years. She served Friday Holy Communion at the Centennial Villa, where
her visits were treasured by many residents. Her unending concern for
otherswas exemplified by her membership in the Society of Saint
Vincent de Paul.
Anne was a passionate educator, teaching
for 34 years. She initially taught in one-room school houses in Warren
and West Amherst. She then went on to West Highlands School where she
taught for 25 years. It was always with great pride Anne spoke of all
her students, most notably some of her own siblings, nieces and
nephews.
Anne loved to travel. She
journeyed to many destinations in Europe and North America, often with
her best friend Isabel Jackson. Anne spoke often about those
trips. However, no matter how far she went or for how long,
she always loved coming home. She and Mary welcomed one and all to
their home. Anne got the groceries (and did the dishes) and Mary
turned them into home cooked treats made with love. Although Mary got
the credit for the best fudge (and donuts) in the world, it was often
Anne who stirred the mixture for hours to get it
just right.
Anne’s legacy will be her
resilience, positivity, love of family and her deep
faith.
We have immense gratitude to the
wonderful, and often funny, staff at the Springhill Memorial Hospital.
A very special thank you to Dr. Andrea Faryniuk and the staff at the
Cumberland Regional Healthcare Centre for their superb and
compassionate care.
Anne’s family would like to
thank the many medical and homecare workers who cared for her this
past year and a half. It was clear they thought of Anne as
family. Their devotion made it possible for Anne to remain in her home
as she wished. They are all saints doing God’s work on
earth. To the dear caregivers: Muriel, Cheryl, Eleanor, Laura and
Glenda, we will never forget the compassion and care you gave to our
precious sister and aunt.
Arrangements are under the care and
guidance of Furlong~Jones Funeral
Home, 70 Church Street, Amherst, NS (902-667-8777),
where visitation will take place on Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 2 to
4 pm. Parish prayers will be held during visiting hours at
3:15 pm. A funeral liturgy of the word will be held at the
Holy Family Parish Roman Catholic Church, Amherst on Monday, December
2, 2018 at 11 am, Deacon Howard Gotell officiating.
Donations in memory of Anne can be made
to St. Vincent de Paul (Holy Family Parish PO Box 1075 Amherst NS B4H
4E2) or the charity of your choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may
be sent to the family by visiting Anne’s online memorial at
www.furlongjones.ca or through the Furlong Jones
Funeral Home Facebook Page.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Anne R Melanson 19312018..
Death notice for the town of: Amherst, Province: Nova Scotia