August 8, 1934 - October 22, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, aunty, sister, gran and dear friend Ann. Mom passed peacefully at her home of 52 years, in Courtenay BC, surrounded by her loving family.
Ann was born in Bishop Auckland, in County Durham UK in 1934, and was the second of three sisters born to Margaret and Matthew Winchester. She lived in Bishop just four years before moving to Middlesborough. She grew up in a loving home and after a variety of interesting jobs she attended Ripon College where she earned her Bachelors degree with honours. She then went on to begin teaching at the young age of 20. She taught large classes, and it's difficult to find the "teacher" in her class photo as the students were just a few years younger than she.
Ann attended a dance in the late 1950s where she met James Egan (Jim) who was, and remained, the love of her life. They married shortly after, moving south to Canterbury. The Egan and Winchester families were joined forever and whilst they loved England the young couple dreamed of emigrating to a new land, Canada was definitely the top choice.
They were blessed with two daughters Katherine and Helen and a son Richard while in England and eventually made the decision to move as a young family to Canada in 1967. There were a few homes in the early days before they bought a home in Prince Rupert and welcomed their fourth child, son John in 1970. Ann made wonderful connections and friends and raised her family with joy and music.
The family moved to Courtenay BC in 1971 after Jim had made a visit to Parksville with the Land Dept. and had seen the beauty of Vancouver Island. They both knew it was going to be the right place for the family and this included the promise of less rain. They chose a beautiful character home that would prove to be 52 years of love, family, music and joy. Together they created their "Garden of Egan" with Ann on the flowers, and Jim on the vegetables of which tomatoes and peas he was famous for. The family grew once more with the addition of our beloved Jasper, a loyal black labrador, who earned his own reputation in the neighbourhood.
Ann resumed teaching in 1972 and had many positions within the school district before accepting her role at Puntledge Park Elementary (脡cole Puntledge) where she taught both classroom studies and the choral program. She upgraded her teaching credentials while caring for her mother at home and supporting and surviving four teenagers at the time. She also drove the cherished orange Volkswagen Bus AKA "the Bread Box" for paper routes, guiding and scouting, swim meets, soccer and other sporting events for the whole family. She made regular adventurous trips to teach the music program at the Denman and Hornby Island schools.
Ann loved teaching and sharing her knowledge and music with all. She promoted confidence, and inspired any form of the art even if students chose an instrument she didn't play. Ann was a student of the Conservatory of Music herself but could also play almost anything on the piano by ear. She downplayed this natural ability as nothing special. However, it meant that if the written score wasn't available, she would just play it from her heart. Everyone was in awe of this true gift. Ann further shared her talent by writing and composing many original songs. Whenever a small diddy or an uplifting piece was needed for the school choir, concerts or musicals, Ann would put one together in a brief amount of time and bring everyone together with song. No student was left out and she took time to privately check in with individuals ensuring they had a role or a part where they felt special and included. Her amazing Christmas carol Star Shining Bright is sung preciously every year.
After retiring from SD 71 she was invited to teach at Malaspina College in Nanaimo BC (now VIU). She was honoured and jumped at the opportunity. Here she was able to further contribute to a wide diversity of students' learning, collaborating with other faculty members, and mentoring newer teachers on their professional journey.
After officially retiring Ann continued to be an inspiration to many in countless beautiful ways. She was generous with her time no matter the request. Ann was a champion knitter who loved creating special pieces for others, especially babies. She took on several challenging patterns and made unique knitted gifts such as wristies, socks, boot covers, scarfs, cozies and toques, all with the lucky recipient's taste and colours in mind. These gifts have been shared in multiple countries and estimating the thousands of stitches of love would be impossible. She loved to keep a cache of yarn and was always grateful to the wool shops for providing top-quality selections for her to continue her treasured hobby.
Despite losing her beloved husband Jim in 2015, Ann stayed focused on family and friends and made several trips back to her homeland to see precious extended family in England and Germany. Her love for her children was immense and she lived for the updates from her six grandchildren, whom she loved more than anything. She always encouraged and supported each of them for their individuality and with their various jobs, interests, and sports. As a lover of books and an avid and dedicated reader, she encouraged this in all her family members, especially the grandchildren as she wanted them to share her passion for the written word or lyric, no matter what medium used in this modern world. She stayed a techy right up to age 90 having more apps than most of her children and kept up with written or digital letters and messages to stay in touch with family and friends.
Ann is survived and forever loved and missed by her daughters Katherine and Helen (Norm & Jayden - Isenor), her sons Richard (Loretta, Michael & William - Egan) and John (Jasmine Egan, Chloe, Chase & Annaka - Cox). Her sisters Kathleen Brown and Helen Steck, her niece/God-daughter Wendy (Terry Jackson) and nephews Oliver and Philip Stein.
While there are too many treasured relatives to list in Canada, England, and other parts of the world, Ann kept in contact with as many as possible and always shared her family's special moments with them whether they were happy or sad. She was there for their news of the same. She loved exchanging letters, magical e-cards, and emails across the globe, and took pride in acknowledging as many birthdays as she knew of.
There are so many dear friends in the Comox Valley that she has shared so much with. It is our sincere hope that you can now lean on each other, and remember she wants you all to be okay. Many have been told they are honorary Egans' and that will never change. Please know we are forever grateful that you could share Mom with us, and we have had the privilege of having all of you in our lives. Our open house Christmas Eve sing-alongs were always a highlight for our family, and we have many happy memories that will be cherished forever.
Our family can not express enough gratitude to all in the medical profession, including doctors, nurses, home healthcare and pharmacy workers who have gone above and beyond to provide excellent care and compassion to our beloved matriarch of the family.
While it is Ann's request not to have a formal service, the Egan family will have a celebration of her amazing life at a later date. We ask on her behalf that you embrace the love of music which she always believed was the universal language. Whether that be in instrumental form, in song, dance or by listening and supporting other artists, we know her dream will be attained.
Be kind to each other, gather love in your heart and scatter joy in your song.
Mom loved flowers and supported many charities. She was dedicated to the World Wildlife Fund and Red Cross.
We miss you already Mum, but we know you are playing music in the sky with the Stars Shining Bright! x o x o