It is with sadness that we announce the death of Ann Harper on June 8, 2019 in Toronto. Ann died peacefully surrounded by her family. She was 62 years old.
Ann was the second daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. John Harper of Toronto and the kind and loving sister of Mary, Elizabeth, Jody, Pauline and Jacqueline. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family members, including her cousins, nieces and nephews. Ann was born in Toronto on July 25, 1956. She attended the Rotary School, Beverley School and completed her formal education at Champlain School before beginning work at the Association for Community Living’s workshop, where she remained for over 25 years.
Ann had many talents. She was an excellent swimmer and participated in the Special Olympics at the age of 12. She was an avid bowler and member of the Woodchippers Bowling League, winning over 40 trophies. Her passion for both swimming and bowling continued throughout her life as did her enjoyment of playing cards and immense knowledge of movies, television shows and celebrities.
Her warm personality, gentle spirit and wonderful sense of humour were formed early and well-fostered through the effort, commitment and advocacy of her parents. She will be fondly remembered as a kind person with a determined will who made enduring friendships. Ann touched the lives of everyone she met.
She enjoyed her life to the fullest and believed in a genteel way of living, including serving tea and biscuits to guests, taking long hot baths, and spending summer afternoons swimming lengths at her family’s Lake Simcoe retreat. Sincerest and heartfelt thanks are extended to Forest Hill Place, Reena Elder Home, Cummer Lodge and Baycrest Hospital, for the wonderful care Ann received, particularly from Dr. Korn and the staff of 5 West at Baycrest, as well as to her compassionate caregivers, Celia, Rose, Roselle and Lota. Visitation will be held at Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel, 467 Sherbourne Street, Toronto on Friday June 14, from 2-6 p.m.
A funeral Mass of the Resurrection to celebrate Ann’s life and spirit will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday June 15, 2019 at Holy Rosary Church, 354 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto. She will be laid to rest at Mount Hope Catholic Cemetery, Toronto. There will be a reception to follow at the funeral home.