Ann Crandell

Ann Crandell (nee Kissick) August 14, 1935 - December 7, 2017 At peace, in her home, cradled in the arms of her three daughters, as she courageously chose to end her suffering from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).Grieving her loss are Ann's three children and their spouses: Karen Blakely (John), Dawn Crandell (Joseph Muller), and Beverly Crandell (Christopher Worth), and her 5 grandchildren Andrew & Adam Blakely, Earl Muller, Claire & Graham Worth. She is predeceased by her father (Frederick Kissick), brother (Ronald Kissick), and mother (Margaret Kissick) and husband (Gordon). Ann graduated from the University of Toronto in 1957 with a degree in Physical Education, and she taught Phys. Ed for a number of years before starting her family. Ann loved and was deeply loved by her husband Gordon in their marriage of 55 years.  She was a tireless, patient and fiercely committed caregiver to Gord as he endured his long struggle with Parkinson's disease, ending in December 2015. Bridges were a common theme in Ann's life. Ann married a civil engineer who built bridges.   She too built many bridges, connecting people, communities and causes through her friendships which spanned decades and geography.  She took great enjoyment in a spirited game of Bridge and had a cadre of adoring lifelong friends who gathered weekly to share in cards and their lives.  Ann believed strongly in giving to her community and those around her, volunteering for over a decade with the Royal Victoria Hospital auxiliary and coffee bar and serving her church  through the years as organist, choirmaster, chorister, altar guild member, and event organizer her whole life.  She drove patients for the cancer society and always found time to volunteer her talents to various charitable organizations.  Ann was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club of Barrie (of which Gord was a faithful member), in recognition for her service and commitment. Ann took pride in maintaining a well-run, peaceful home.   She spoiled her family with baked goods, homemade jams, wonderful meals and joyful holiday memories.  She and Gordon loved to entertain friends at their house and cottage.  The household often rang with laughter and friendship because of her generous hospitality.  The family is thankful for the small army of personal support workers, therapists, nurses and doctors who provided gentle and thoughtful care for Ann during her illness.  In particular, we would like to thank Holly Bradley and Terri Partyka for the care and deep compassion that extended to Ann and the entire family. We are also deeply grateful for the compassionate care Dr. Brian Morris provided to Ann during her illness, and his courage and leadership in offering her the choice of a dignified death.   A private interment occurred on Saturday, December 9th, 2017.  A Celebration of Life service followed by a lunch reception in the church hall will be held on Saturday, January 6th at 11:00am at St. George’s Anglican Church in Barrie, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations to the ALS Society of Canada in Ann’s name would be appreciated.
Announcement
A Celebration of Life service followed by a lunch reception in the church hall will be held on Saturday, January 6th at 11:00am at St. George’s Anglican Church in Barrie, Ontario.
Burial
St. Paul's Cemetery, Innisfil.