ANN NORTHCOTE, C.M., B.A. (MASTERMAN) -

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ANN NORTHCOTE, C.M., B.A. (nee MASTERMAN) 1932 - 2011 Ann passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, April 5, 2011 with family at her side. She was 78 years of age. Remembering her great love and spirit are Bruce, husband of 57 years, sons Bill (Dale) and David (Suzanne), adored grandchildren Madeleine (Zander), Graeme (Masa) and Andrew, sister Babs (Evan) and brother Jack Tiny (Theresa). A loving, passionate woman, she held a special love for travelling the world, gardening, cultivating orchids, cooking for her family and friends and, of course, sharing a scotch with Bruce. Throughout her extraordinary life, Ann touched the lives of everyone who came to know her, and many others who never got that chance. All over the world, from Africa, to the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, Asia, India, Bangladesh and Canada, there are many, many people who will miss her greatly. A graduate from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts, Ann devoted her life as a volunteer to the cause of human rights and the empowerment of women, both domestically and internationally. President of YWCA Canada from 1977 to 1981, and World YWCA President from 1983 to 1987. Citizenship Judge from 2000 to 2008. Chairperson of Long Term Care Committee and the Etobicoke/York Service Centre of the CNIB. There are few people who can claim as rich and full a life as Ann experienced. While recognized for her achievements with the Order of Canada, the Queen's Jubilee Medal (both Silver and Gold) and the Canada 2000 Medal, she considered her greatest achievements to be her family and the many people whose lives she enriched with her own. The world is darker now, but the flowers that bloomed in her light will remain growing for years to come. The family would like to extend thanks to the attending staff at the Comprehensive Stroke Unit of Trillium Health Centre for their extraordinary skill and compassion in keeping Ann comfortable during the final days of her life. Special thanks to Dr. Chris Stefanovich, long-time physician and friend of Ann's and to niece Heather McCormack and her husband Lee. Their amazing support and presence during this time was greatly appreciated by the family and, they are sure, by Ann herself. The cremation will take place privately, and in lieu of a funeral, a celebration of Ann's life for family and friends will be held at the University Club of Toronto, 380 University Avenue, Toronto, on May 29 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers and in honour of Ann's life and her passion, charitable donations to the YWCA or a charity of your choice are welcome.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 12, 2011