b. May 16, 1931 - d. February 22, 2022
The eldest of six children, Anna was born to Georgina and Borden Umlah. Anna is predeceased by her brother Junior (Marlene) and survived by Donald (Sadie), Myrna (late Ebbie), Patsy (late Allan) and Audrey.
Following a happy childhood in Nova Scotia, where she won the Bonnie Baby contest, Anna carried the important traits instilled from the strong morals and values of her parents throughout her long, rich life.
As a young adult, Anna moved to Ontario and started a family of her own. As a single parent, she raised six loving, kind and successful children. She is predeceased by her eldest daughter Wendy (John), and survived by daughters Heather (Steve), Kim (Sharon) and sons Edward (Kathleen), Stephen (Andre), and Mark (Carol).
Nana’s life legacy is her strong sense of family and the seeds she continued to plant and cultivate with the blessing of her six grandchildren; Ashley (Brady), Kate (Barry), Matthew (Kristie), Briana (Matt), Maddie (Micael), and Deandra.
GiGi’s love blossomed like her garden’s flowers with six great grandchildren; Theodore, Henry (gone too soon), Norah, Sawyer, Tucker, and Luke, with her seventh arriving this summer.
For Anna, family was where life began and where love never ended. Being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren at family dinners, celebrations, and holiday gatherings were by far her greatest joy in life. She taught everyone how to celebrate by living in the moment and spending time together at birthdays and holidays with Mother’s Day brunch being one of her favourite annual memories. The numerous activities of bocce ball, pool parties and judging The Holden Amazing Race, Survivor Holden and the Muggle Olympics brought out the competitive spark in her.
Anna lived her life with love and faith in the forefront. She was always patient, always kind, she did not envy, and she was never boastful or proud. She never dishonoured others or made it about herself. She kept no records of wrong and was not easily angered. Anna never delighted in evil but rejoiced in the truth. She protected her family. She could always be trusted to instill hope in every situation. She persevered through many challenges in life with faith, hope and love.
(1 Corinthians 13) Hope and love anchored the center of these events that brought light to her life as she sat amongst those she loved most in the world and watched the beauty she created.
Her family will continue to share the memories and legacies of her striking fashion sense, her love of jewellery (you never leave the house without accessorizing), her signature dishes of rice pudding, lasagna, and black forest cake, as well as birthday cards always with a little extra tucked inside.
Fittingly, Anna passed away peacefully on Family Day Weekend. She had many quiet moments with each of her children and grandchildren, surrounded by the love and support she had instilled in each of them. We will all continue to celebrate Anna, with our memories of her bringing smiles to our hearts.
Anna’s wishes were for her family to gather together privately to celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation or RVH Barrie. Cremation entrusted to Marshall W. Driver Cremation & Burial Service, 19 Ross St., Barrie.