ANNA MARIE MCLEAN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ANNA MARIE MCLEAN Peacefully, surrounded by friends and holding her husband's hand, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Anna Marie McLean on Saturday, January 1, 2005, at the Riverview Health Centre, at the age of 48 years. Left to cherish her memory are her husband Ken Taylor of Winnipeg and her father Harry McLean of Carberry, MB. Anna was predeceased by her mother Jean in 1991 and brother Duncan in 2002. Anna was born on December 1, 1956, to Harry and Jean (Harburn) McLean. She was raised in Brandon, MB, until the age of six. After her brother was born in 1962, they moved to the farm in Carberry. She was proud of her rural roots and often reflected on her childhood friendships with Margy Jo Keachie and Emily Mayers. Anna's lifelong respect for nature and animals developed on the farm. They raised cattle and chickens and always had dogs and cats under foot. Anna loved life on the farm, whether it was driving a tractor or riding her horses, Queen and Silver. In her late teens, Anna moved to Winnipeg and worked as a cook for CN Rail for two years. It was here that she met and later married her husband Ken in 1982. He was her partner and best friend. Their house was home to many pets, Peter, Whitey, Angus and Fergus. In 1981, Anna graduated from St. Boniface Hospital School of Nursing and began her career as a neuro nurse in the fields of Neurology and Neurosurgery. She was an active member of the Canadian Association of Neuroscience Nurses throughout her career. Anna loved her job and excelled at it. She made many lasting, treasured friendships at St. B - Hart Latham, Josette Duprat, Jodi Dusik-Sharpe, Marcia McAuley-Devine and Carol Ann O'Grady. Friendships were important to Anna and even up until the time of her death, she remained in contact with her childhood babysitter, Mrs. Doris Kidd. Anna was a talented sewer, crafter, gardener and caregiver. Cancer gradually began to take away things that she cherished - her career, her independence and now her life. Her spirit was never broken and her courage was inspiring. A celebration of Anna's life will be held on Friday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Sill Auditorium in Riverview Health Centre, 1 Morley Ave. Special thanks to Dr. M. Rubinger and Jayne Kassian at CancerCare Manitoba, Dr. G. Wollner and the exceptional staff of the Palliative Care Unit at Riverview Hospital. In particular, to Bonnie and Karen who treated her with compassion and dignity just as Anna cared for her patients throughout her career. In lieu of flowers or a donation in her name, it was Anna's wish that you consider planting a tree, feed the hungry, pet an animal, donate blood or hug a child. To those I've left behind, You held my hand... I felt your strength, I was not alone. WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2005