Obituary of Ann Wendy Gardner
March 6, 1961 – November 2, 2022
After a very quick journey with cancer, Ann Gardner passed away surrounded by her friends and the amazing folks from the Foothills Country Hospice on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at the age of 61 years. She lived her last days with grace and gratitude.
She was predeceased by her mom, Sheila, her dad Ted, her brother Barry and a very special Granny Wishart.
Ann was born in Edmonton but raised in Calgary, AB, a place she was proud to call home. She described a “great” childhood and was committed to many church, school, and community groups, where she had many opportunities for a robust life full of people, nature and spirituality. McDougall United Church was where Ann most recently filled her faith cup.
She was a deeply spiritual person and loved to discuss “heart and soul” insights. She was a passionate educator and dedicated her career to teaching students with complex learning needs. In retirement, she continued to find great joy from her group of her adult students, who made her laugh and gave her inspiration to never quit advocating for the best life possible for those who needed support.
Ann was surrounded by people. She had nurtured circles of friends who loved books, another whose passion was knitting and yet another who shared a love of theater. She travelled with people who became lifelong friends, hiked the West Coast Trail with forever friends and made long lasting relationships with those who loved to work with people who had diverse learning needs. Her friends were also family, and she showed her love for them until her very last breath.
Ann loved all things food. She was an excellent cook, loved to host dinner parties, baked at the Foothills Country Hospice, volunteered at many soup kitchens, and travelled through Italy in search of the perfect pasta sauce and glass of wine. Often her first response to anyone who was in a difficult place in their life was to provide a much-needed care package filled with home-baked meals.
Ann was an avid Terry Fox supporter, never missing a Terry Fox run. She was awarded a certificate for 40 years of participation. She travelled to her next life in her Terry Fox T shirt and a pair of track pants.
When the mountains called…Ann responded. She loved to be in the glory of the mountains! Hiking, picnics, wine on mountain viewing decks, camping, campfires and snowshoeing were all a part of her deep connection with nature.
Ann would like to say a very special “love you” to Tosh. Each night she said to her “I love you and I am so very glad you came into my life.“
We all feel that way about Ann. Thank you for coming into our lives and our hearts. Rest that wee soul knowing you truly made a difference for many.
If friend so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to Foothills Country Hospice www.countryhospice.org/ or The Mustard Seed Ogden Hub:29 muchmorethanahome.ca/, or a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will occur at McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca St SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday November 19, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. In true “Ann” fashion she requested that people wear bright colours! For family and friends unable to join us in person the celebration will be streamed live at www.youtube.com/channel/UC_7mplguk2NAKiZ0zRl8iMg/featured.
In living memory of Ann Gardner, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ann
Wendy
Gardner 1961 2022..
McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta