ANN ELIZABETH LUGSDIN (ROBERTSON)

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ANN ELIZABETH LUGSDIN (nee ROBERTSON) Peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, Ann passed away on March 24, 2005 after a valiant struggle with cancer. Ann leaves to forever cherish her memory her beloved husband and best friend of 42 years, Harold; dear children, Beth (Dan), Jim (Andrea) and Noni (Greg); adored grandchildren, Rachel, Josh, Riley, Sydney, Michael and Zachary; brother-in-law Jim (Irene); sister-in-law Kathy; nieces and nephews and their children. Ann will be lovingly remembered by her extended family of students, former students and their families as well as many friends and colleagues in the music community, locally, nationally and internationally. Ann was born on April 6, 1938, daughter of Roy and Isobel Robertson and sister to John. During these early years in Ottawa, Ann developed many lifelong friendships. Across the years and the miles, Cynthia, Joan and Ishbel remained amongst her dearest friends. Of these friendships, the greatest was that with the love of her life, Harold, who she married in 1962 after completing her studies and receiving her Licentiate Diploma from the University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Ann and Harold moved to Winnipeg in 1965, where they began a strong association with the School of Music at the University of Manitoba. Ann was blessed to discover her calling at a very young age. In her early teens, she began a teaching career that would span more than 50 years. In the early years of raising their family, Ann supported Harold in his career with the School of Music while building her own class of piano students and home and supporting numerous community music organizations. As her family grew up, she assumed the position of Director for the Preparatory Division of the School of Music at the University of Manitoba. Under Ann's tenure, the Preparatory Division blossomed in scope, offering music programs for all ages and interests. During this time, Ann also developed robust scholarship and master classes to bring out the best in all who had a dream of becoming the best and the brightest. As a piano teacher, Ann shared her extraordinary gifts to motivate a quest for excellence through inquisitive discovery and patient persistence. These lessons transcended well beyond the realm of music alone and bestowed wisdom towards life in general to all who studied with her. Many of Ann's students went on to pursue careers in music, achieving local, national and international acclaim. Ann was gifted not only in teaching, but also in performing. For many years, she and Harold performed works for two pianos, both in concert and on CBC Radio. In later years, she continued performing through accompanying her many students in their concerto performances. Ann's selfless dedication to her calling knew no bounds. In addition to teaching and administration, she generously gave of her time to many musical associations, including the Royal Conservatory of Music, the Manitoba Registered Music Teachers Association, the Junior Music Club, and Wednesday Morning Musicale. She adjudicated at music festivals throughout southern Manitoba and was delighted to share her knowledge of pedagogical techniques in a number of lectures. For her many achievements, Ann received many honours and awards, with grace and humility. Ann's joyous enthusiasm, love of life and eager determination were truly remarkable. She unfailingly took time to show genuine interest in each person she interacted with. Ann was the quintessential eternal optimist, to the very end. Of all that was precious to her, there was none more precious to Ann than her beloved family. She savoured every moment of family celebrations at home and time at the cottage with Harold, her children and her grandchildren. Heartfelt thanks are extended to Mom's many caregivers over the course of her lengthy illness, including Drs. Krepart, Lotocki, Heywood, Maxwell, Jones and Crawford, interns and residents and medical and nursing students, the staff of CancerCare Manitoba, the staff of 3B and the Palliative Care Unit of St. Boniface General Hospital, the staff of WRS5 at the Health Sciences Centre and the Home Care program. A very special thank you to Anne Meekison of CancerCare Manitoba for going beyond the call of duty with extraordinary care and compassion when we needed it most. A memorial service to celebrate Ann's life will be held at St. Andrew's River Heights United Church on Tuesday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m., with Rev. Dr. Terry Hidichuk officiating. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held. In lieu of flowers, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Ann's memory to the Division of Preparatory Studies (University of Manitoba, Faculty of Music) Scholarship Fund, CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of one's choice. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 783-7211

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 26, 2005