ANNE DOWLING

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ANNE DOWLING (nee BARBARA ANN HARRIS) December 18, 1938 - July 11, 2015 Anne Dowling, also known to many as Barbara Ann or BA Harris. It is with great sadness that we announce that Anne passed away peacefully at her home in Fernie, BC on July 11, 2015 after a short battle with ovarian cancer. Anne loved her family members, and was much loved by them. She is survived by her three daughters, Deb Harris (Annie LaBrie), Heidi Manthei and Lisa Manthei (Trevor Roszell), her grandchildren Joseph Wisely, Lucas Preciado and Max Preciado, her brother, Peter Harris (Joyce) and children, and her sister, Marilyn Alexiou and children. She was predeceased by her son John Marston Manthei, her father and mother, James Marston Harris and Georgina Playfair Harris, by her husband Floyd Douglas Dowling, and by her brother James Michael Harris. Anne was born and raised in Winnipeg; attending high school at Bishop Strachan School in Toronto. She then acquired her education degree at Manitoba Teachers College and taught elementary school in Winnipeg, St. Louis, Chicago and Kamloops. While living in Chilliwack Anne became an entrepreneur and the proud owner of a ladies dress wear shop for nine years. From 1983 to 2009 Anne worked at Deer Lodge United Church, Hospice and Palliative Care Manitoba, and Deer Lodge Centre, and finished up her career as a ward clerk on unit T6; in all places she was fondly regarded by patients and staff. Anne married the love of her life, Floyd Dowling, in 1988. Her family grew to include his children: Graeme Dowling (Jean) and four grandchildren Michael, Mathew, Christopher and Cara, and Barb Stothers (Scott) and three grandchildren Aiden, Colin and Brendan. Anne was still enjoying being part of this extended family and becoming a great-gramma Anne several times over. Anne and Floyd enjoyed 16 wonderful years together. Anne retired to Fernie, BC in 2009. Anne was very active in the Fernie community and especially loved her little apartment at Trinity Lodge with her cat Smokie Joe, her flower garden and all her new Fernie friends. Anne was an exceptional woman who loved family, friends, faith and fun. She was an incomparable mother and gramma, a devoted wife, and a loyal friend to countless people. She had a wonderful sense of humour and a kind spirit, always the first to welcome a new neighbour. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Cremation has taken place. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made for children's cancer care, in Anne's memory, to BC Cancer Foundation, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, or Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2015