February 8th

Just one story today - and really, it shouldn't be a story for this blog at all.....  for on this day, Ann Dunn died.  Ann Dunn was who you knew as Auntie Annie - and she isn't "blood" as far as family history goes.  But, because you knew her and also she was quite a figure in my life, I thought we  should have this post.

Auntie Annie (as we called her - although later in life she expressed that she'd prefer to be Auntie Ann.  Alison complied.  I did not!) - married grandma's oldest brother, Jack.  Jack and Ann had three daughters - Cathie who you knew but also Anne and Joan.

Auntie Annie was 87 years old when she died in Winnipeg on Fbruary 8th 1995.  This was just a few days before you, dad and I went off to Disney World and to South Palm Beach.  The funeral was one of those pre-arranged things which included a limosine.  Cathie kindly suggested that the three of us travel in the limosine.  I think she thought it would be a cool thing for a 9 year old boy to experience.  But do you remember what dad said?  Once settled in and we were moving (this was after the funeral - driving to the actual burial) - Dad turned to Cathie and said "well, how much did that lot cost then?"  I was embarrassed of course but now I can smile.  And I know Cathie smiled at the time because she understood.

Ann came to Canada many many years after being a widow.  She lived in various spots in England but after her daughter Cathie came to Canada she decided that she would live here too.  I can't remember exactly when she came - but it must have been in the mid 70's  She was certainly here when mum and Alec got married in 1977.

She is buried in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Winnipeg.