Annie KENNEDY

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KENNEDY: The death of Annie "Anna" Jane Kennedy occurred at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Saturday, July 10, 2010. Anna was born on April 4, 1922 in Ballyclaire, Northern Ireland, eldest child of Thomas and Sara McLean. She met the love of her life, Joseph, during the Second World War while working as a nurse. In March of 1945 they were married. She came to Canada as a war bride a year later. They had their bridal shower on their first anniversary. They farmed in the Stockton area until 1955 when they moved to Brandon. Anna began working for Lawson and Jones as a sales consultant in 1968, and worked for them for 15 years. They also took in boarders which formed many lasting friendships. In 1979 they moved to Boissevain, and after Joe passed away she moved back to Brandon in 1987. She also lived in Ottawa for a brief time and in Airdrie, Alberta for seven years before returning to Brandon, where she considered home. Joe and Anna had two children. Anna was able to return to her homeland three times after moving to Canada to visit her brother Tommy, sisters Maisie and Ruth and their families. Her over 500 pairs of salt and pepper shakers were special to her, as they were gifts from family and friends from all over the world. She had some from Iceland, Mexico, and Holland to name only a few. She never bought a single set herself. She is survived by daughter Joan (Bill) White, granddaughter Tracie (Patrick) cousins, grandson Carman (Crystal) White, great- grandchildren Breeanna, Megan, Bryson and Austin, Son Stewart (Mercy) and numerous step-grandchildren, brothers-in-law Vimy (Mary) Kennedy, Tom Kerr, John McCallum, sisters-in-law Rita Elders, Rae Patterson, and Kay Kennedy, and many nieces and nephews on both sides of the ocean. She loved watching sports, in particular those Maple Leafs. And back in the day she was a Wrestling fan. She will be ever known for her famous English trifle. When friends or family knew Granny would be coming for Christmas or New years (or really any occasion), there was the hope and anticipation she would be bringing her trifle. She enjoyed preparing such meals as these and celebrating with family. She was proud of all of her family, and enjoyed hearing stories and watching them grow. She proudly displayed pictures of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews throughout her home. Every Christmas, the mirror above the fireplace displayed all cards and photos received from family members. Anna enjoyed outings, whether picnics in scenic Alberta, a drive in the countryside or shopping trips. She would stop to talk to any small child or loved to see a dog and would stop and give it some attention. She cringed at any animal cruelty... including gophers. Anna attended First Baptist Church when able, and in later years enjoyed when church members came to visit and give her communion. Her kettle was always on for a pot of tea. She worked hard for Leprosy Canada through the stamp drive for many years. Anna had a great sense of humor right up to the end. She would always say how spoiled she was, when in fact she did most of the spoiling. She never wanted to bother the home care ladies, as she felt they were too busy and that there were people in more need than her. Her strong Irish stubbornness got her though some very tough days and outlived what the doctor told her she would. She will be sadly missed byall who knew her. The Ceremony to Celebrate Anna's Life was held at Memories Chapel, 330 - 18th Street North on July 15, 2010. Pastor Randy Stanton officiated. A private family interment followed at Milford Cemetery. Donations in memory of Anna may be made to a charity of one's choice.Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangementswere with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 21, 2010