STRACHAN, Annie Elsie (Anne)
Anne Strachan passed away peacefully on Friday, May 13, 2011 at home with her family at her side after a long and well-lived life. Anne was predeceased by her husband, Robert Martin Strachan in 1981, her elder son, Robert Douglas Strachan in 2010, and her siblings: Harold Pagett, Bert Pagett, Phyllis Thompson, Nellie McLeod, and Ethel Twells. She was born in Australia in 1915. When Anne was 4 years old her family immigrated to Nanaimo where her father was employed in the Newcastle Island coal mine. The family later moved to Powell River where she met and married Robert Strachan in 1937. They had 3 children; Robert, Lorraine and Kenneth. They moved first to Nanaimo in 1949, and then in 1956 built their home overlooking the Nanaimo River in Cedar, where she resided for 40 years. The past 3 years she made her home at Nanaimo Seniors Village Assisted Living.
Her life took an interesting and challenging turn in 1952 when her husband, Bob, was elected M.L.A. for the Cowichan-Newcastle constituency. Although she had a young family, she actively supported him in his political career as he became Leader of the Opposition from 1956 to 1969, and a cabinet minister in the N.D.P. government elected in 1972. The 2 years spent in London when Bob was appointed Agent-General for B.C. in 1975 provided Anne with wonderful experiences and memories as they travelled throughout the British Isles and Europe. In retirement she returned to visit her Australian birthplace and travelled extensively, always eager to learn about the people and customs of different countries.
Anne was equally at home in a formal gown or in jeans. She had a green thumb and spent many pleasurable hours working in her garden. At the family cabin near 100 Mile House she loved nothing better than using her special hatchet to cut kindling or clear brush and was very proud of her trout-fishing ability. She bowled in a league until her 90th year and had many pins and trophies to display. She also enjoyed the challenge of crossword puzzles and was an excellent Scrabble player.
As a wife and mother, her family and home were always the top priority in her life. In later years as a grandma and great-grandma she took great interest and delight in hearing the latest news from each and every one as the families grew. She was an empathetic, non-judgmental listener and was always willing to share her wisdom.
Anne will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Lorraine Williams (Gary) of Airdrie, Alberta and son Kenneth Strachan (Barbara) of Qualicum Beach. Her grandchildren: Sharon Blackwell (Todd), Brenda Lausen (Don), Bradley Strachan (Jen), Brian Strachan (Tiffany), Ian Strachan (Nicole), and Bob Strachan (Cari) will miss having their Granny in their lives. Anne is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren: Brandon, Tyler, David, Lily, Liam, Ben, Brooke and Payton.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the wonderful staff at Nanaimo Seniors Village for the care and support they provided Mom. Their dedication and loving attention made it possible for her to remain at home, as she wished, as her health declined and her life moved to its close.
There will be no service at Anne’s request.
“Rest easy Mom”