Jack submitted the following, Ann's Eulogy as delivered by Roz Thompson at the funeral:

Ann was born in Bristol England, in 1942 the 3^rd child – 1 sister and 2 brothers into a family economically and emotionally challenged. Her father came and went, and eventually her mother was left caring for her three children alone, working at Fry’s chocolate factory. 

Ann -being quite bright- was the only one in her primary school to win a scholarship at a grammar school. Her mother could only afford a second-hand school uniform for her, but it clearly identified her as going to the grammar school, leading to some harassment by the neighbourhood children. Nevertheless, she did well, encouraged by her teachers, and fascinated by the new worlds she was learning about.

Even then church was important to her, and she was nurtured by members of Saint Barnabas Church where she learned about the love and mercy of God.

When she was about four years old, she was cared for by some nurses while her mother was having her brother Barry. She loved this and developed a strong desire to become a nurse.  Subsequently she trained at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.

During that time Jack & Ann met at a student dance while he was a student at Bristol University.

 As they got to know each other, they enriched each other’s lives - Ann took Jack to classical music concerts and to Church.  Jack took Ann to the Pubs.

Jack was very impressed by her spending many weekends cleaning her mother’s house – saw this was a big plus to her character - apparently there other ways to a man’s heart, not just through his stomach. But she was definitely “a keeper”.  She loved Jack and he loved her, so in 1963 they became engaged. However, Jack’s family lived in Victoria B.C., and he was to take up a fellowship at UBC. Nevertheless, she happily married him on July 4^th, 1964 after they had both graduated. Six days later, she left her world and family to start her new married life in Canada.

While in BC, she was blessed living in an apartment on the beautiful UBC campus with a stunning view of the mountains - so inspirational - and spiritually nourished by West Point Grey Baptist Church.

Ann had many other hobbies and interests. She loved going to concerts, gardening, and walking.  She shared her mother’s interest in nature and in growing things; she was quite the gardener (came by it naturally) as was her uncle George who was a gardener to Lord Bath.-a big deal -an honour… you should see Ann's & Jack’s garden; it is beautiful.

In 1966 Janet was born bringing them much joy.

Jack’s work brought them to Burlington Ontario where in December 1968 Ann gave birth prematurely to triplets. One of them died, and the other two were quite handicapped. As was the advice of the day, they were encouraged to leave the more handicapped son to the care of “professionals”. This was firmly rejected.

In 1969, they moved to Fredericton and became dedicated to a life centered around caring for the complex needs of their sons.

In those early years Ann wanted to ensure that Jack had the time to carry out his intensive academic duties at UNB. She cheerfully was the backup player in the Jack/Ann team – and they were always a team right from the beginning. But she also carried most of the burden, taking care of their young family of Janet and the very dependent twins, while Jack was gaining success with his research, and publishing. Plus, she took over many of Jack’s other household jobs such as paying bills.  This all added to her load.

Within two years, overwhelmed and exhausted, she returned to England in 1970 for the first time since emigrating (1964). Jack’s mother looked after the family for three weeks while she was away.  Also, for the first time since the twins were born, she slept soundly all night. Because she was exhausted, due to overall lack of support, and no family here to help she felt strongly she could not return to Canada.

However, listening to a sermon that seemed directed at her she heard God calling her back, and she returned.

She definitely felt that this was a call from God and that He had a special job or purpose for her and she dedicated herself to it. But once again this difficult workload led to a second emotional breakdown around 1981.

However, on the positive side, Jack’s academic research led to a year in Wurzburg Germany, in 1976-77. They were able to take David with them while John was cared for in a highly acclaimed facility in Saint John. David went to a school especially set up for special needs children, with a swimming pool, and everything that could help. The staff all spoke English and were very well educated for the task.  The extent of hospitality shown to them was amazing. Janet went to a German school where she learned the language. A German family was found to look after David in their home to allow Ann and Jack go on a three-week learning tour of Germany. Ann thrived in this academic setting.

They also spent time with family in England where Ann saw what could be done for the Davids of this world. This trip to England and Germany opened her eyes to what was available and provided a goal for what she wanted for her boys.

When they returned from Germany, it was evident that Johnny had faired very poorly, and it took many months of Ann’s love and attention to restore him to the boy they knew and loved. The contrast between care in Germany and England was the catalyst to improve their boys’ situation. And she rose to the occasion.

Ann worked to establish and improve the quality of services not only for John & David but for the mentally handicapped in Fredericton, the goal to have her sons fully included in the community. When services did not exist to adequately support David and John, she was determined to develop them.

Ann once told me that she didn’t feel she had accomplished much in her life, and she really believed that. But as most of you know, she took leadership roles in organizations like Fredericton Association for Community Living (FACL), New Brunswick Association for Community Living (NBACL) and Jobs Unlimited. She was a founding member of Opal III. Ann was both an amazing volunteer and strong community leader. She was given many awards and honors for her volunteer work in Fredericton. Ann volunteered for years for Meals on Wheels, Red Cross, Heart and Stroke, the Salvation Army and the Third Age Center. She was a founding member of Stepping Stones Seniors Center.  She was amazing – demonstrating what Love, Devotion and Tenacity can achieve!

At one point she fought many levels of government to have her son John taken out of a nursing home to live fully funded in his own apartment and she WON. Later she had to repeat the process for David also. And she WON again. Amazing

She loved learning. If she didn’t know something she would enroll in a class, such as learning how to swim & lifesaving skills for the sake of her children (David loved the water etc. – had no fear).

In her 40’s she went to UNB and graduated with a BA and then a Masters in English.

She also loved and cherished her friendships and always made whoever she was with feel special.

She loved her church community. She was dedicated to missions work locally and overseas.

For years she was involved with Nurses Christian Fellowship and Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

 As time went on & once things were more established and they could find safe places and safe care for the boys,

“We were privileged to enjoy extended times in wonderful places allowing for many enriching experiences together, walking in beautiful places and making new friends. For Ann this gave her times to recuperate and regain her joy”. (Jack)

However, I remember there was often what seemed like a relentless search for caregivers & accommodation when things broke down. They appreciated the help of FACL & NBACL over the years.  The struggle never seemed to end but it did get better.

About a year ago Ann was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and she bravely fought it. She spent the last months at home, nursed largely by her daughter Janet, until she went to Hospice.

Janet & Terry have been amazing. They moved into Ann & Jack’s house so that they could take care of Ann, which she greatly appreciated. Janet continued to work at her teaching job but added making meals and being on call for Ann during the night. As Ann’s health deteriorated, the demands on Janet increased, so Janet took a leave of absence so that she could spend more time with Ann. 

At Hospice one night when Jack, Janet and I were there, the topic came up of how Janet felt growing up and living with her brothers who needed so much attention.

She stated that she always felt included, supported and loved (a tribute to Ann & Jack)

She was part of the team – helped with the care of her brothers from an early age.

Jack recalled seeing Janet (8 yrs) helping Ann care for the heavy, physical needs of the boys and she looked just like a “mini-Ann”, and I think she is.

This Family loved each other; you can see it in their eyes, that they cared & enjoyed each other – tried to make each other happy and when possible, did fun things together, took the boys with them everywhere – there was no exclusion!

I have known Ann & Jack for about 45 years but in last 6 months I got to known Ann in a more personal way and it was obvious that:

Jack was her love and soul mate,

Janet had a special place in her heart – she was her friend and ally and both Ann & Jack are very proud of you (her) – and she appreciated Terry & all he does

David & John - she was devoted to them. 

Her grandchildren and great grandkids, brought her great joy

 To her family, you were ALL very special to her and she loved you all profoundly.

When she was at home, she had a caregiver during the day, but the family took care of her in the evening and overnight. After supper Jack sang hymns that she liked and prayed with her and read the Daily Bread which was always an encouragement and pertinent to their present situation.  

She usually wanted one more hymn and often fell asleep while Jack was singing.

 Ann was comforted, and given hope by her faith, and said that she just wanted to go “Home”.    

On October 7^th her wish was granted.

Jack and Janet wish to sincerely thank all those who have cared & supported them over so many years & also in the past few months, to family, friends, care givers, and medical personnel – thank you All.