February 19, 1929 – October 23, 2016
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Anna O’Callaghan of Nanaimo, BC on October 23rd, 2016. Anna was predeceased by her husband, William, in 2012 and son, Timothy, in 1991, and her siblings, Mary, Elinor, and Ben. She leaves to mourn her four children, Cheryl Ashley of Nanaimo, BC, Daniel (Carol) O’Callaghan of St. Adolphe, MB, Alix Phillips of Burnaby, BC, and Michael (Sheryl) O’Callaghan of Duncan, BC. Anna also leaves behind eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren, brother, Will Bednarek, and sister, Midge Pucci, of Dallas, Texas. Anna was born and raised in Steep Rock, MB in 1929 to parents Stanley and Magdalena Bednarek, who had immigrated to Canada from Europe during the Russian Revolution. Anna had aspirations for a higher education and chose Nursing as her vocation, graduating in 1950. She met Bill, and they were married in 1951. Together they raised a family of five with a home in Winnipeg and a summer retreat at Falcon Lake, MB. After a successful 35 year career as a Registered Nurse in Winnipeg, both Anna and Bill retired to the West Coast and chose Nanaimo as their destination. Anna loved her gardening, shopping, and later her association with Protection Island, where she enjoyed a second home, making many friends along the way. The family would like to thank the staff at Dufferin Place for the exceptional care of their mother over the last two years. The family will be having a private celebration of life for Anna in the summer of 2017. Interment will take place at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens.