December 3rd 1936 – October 25th 2020
It is with great sadness that the family of Anne Marie Moliski announces her sudden passing on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Ontario, with much of her beloved family at her side.
It is impossible to count the number of people that Anne Marie blessed with her extraordinary spirit, warmth, and kindness. She had a strong faith that guided her throughout her life. Friends and family alike would turn to her in times of need, asking her to add loved ones to her extensive prayer list. Her family believed she had a “direct line,” and knew she would relay each intention with the care it deserved.
Anne Marie was born in Toronto to Bruce and Eldora Wallace. She spent much of her childhood at the family homestead in Minett, Muskoka, where she excelled at the one-room schoolhouse and made lasting memories working in the sugar bush with her cousins, siblings, and beloved horse Birdie. Anne Marie is survived by her brothers Paul Wallace (Gisèle) and Michael Wallace (Sheila) and predeceased by siblings Bruce Wallace and Peggy Ainsworth.
Anne Marie was elected Head Girl and graduated salutatorian of her high school class at Loretto Abbey in Toronto. She earned her nursing degree from St. Michael’s Hospital, and enjoyed a challenging internship in New York City before beginning her career as an obstetrics nurse. Anne Marie maintained lifelong friendships from her school days, demonstrating early the same care and concern for others that she would carry throughout her life.
Marrying Bill Wingfelder in 1958 was the beginning of the large family Anne Marie had always dreamed of. She was an extraordinary mother to her six children: Lisa (Cliff Harding), Kathi Wingfelder, Wendy Wingfelder (Peter Koetsier), John Wingfelder (Jackie), David Wingfelder (Denise), and Laura Wingfelder, and the adored Nana to her nine grandchildren: Mary (Patrick), Grace (Jess), Sarah, Charles, William (Nicole), Kristin, Mark, Harrison, and Maia.
Through her marriage to Bill, Anne Marie was introduced to Honey Harbour, where she spent many summers at the cottage, swimming, playing tennis, waterskiing, and forming enduring friendships. During two of her early summers in Honey Harbour, Anne Marie had to make her way to Toronto to give birth. In conversation with one of those friends — a doctor — he had to remind her not to drive herself!
When her growing family moved to the United States in 1963, Anne Marie used her boundless energy and organizational skills to set up a new life for her children and involve herself in their school and church communities. She taught religious education, was chair of the home and school, served on the church council, acted as a scout leader, sang in the church choir and volunteered in countless capacities wherever she saw the need. After their marriage of 21 years ended, Anne Marie and Bill remained close friends and harmoniously shared in the life of their family.
Marrying Carl Moliski in 1980 brought yet more family, friends, and adventure to Anne Marie’s life. She enjoyed close relationships with Carl’s children: Ken Moliski (Michelle), Diane (Mike Sullivan), and Paul Moliski (late Susan), and grandchildren Sarah, Matthew, Michael, Morgan, and Tori. Anne Marie had a special talent for creating an atmosphere where all family members felt welcome.
After Carl’s death in 1997, Anne Marie relocated to Barrie to be closer to her family. She again established an active social and volunteering life, making deep friendships with her neighbours, serving on the condo board and social committee, and enjoying time outdoors with her “Snowbunnies” cross-country skiing group. She was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Parish and volunteered with the Catholic Women’s League, Out of the Cold, Adoration Chapel, and Rosary Apostolate.
Anne Marie worked hard to dedicate her time, talents, and endless love to each member of her large extended family. As her children became parents, Anne Marie taught by example how to be a caring mother and create an environment in which her children were safe and loved. She shared her love for family through thousands of tiny actions: trips with grandchildren, huge batches of her famous coffee cake and brownies, special prayers during tests and job interviews, and newspaper clippings tailored to each person’s interests. Anne Marie had her own cabin, dubbed the “Nannex,” built alongside the family cottage in Honey Harbour to be able to share even more memorable moments with her children and grandchildren.
Anne Marie will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. Though she may be gone from this life, her spirit and love will live on for years to come.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, November 12th at 10 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 65 Amelia Street, Barrie. A livestream of the Funeral Mass will be available to view online at the following link https://www.facebook.com/st.marysbarrie/live In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant House Toronto or Chalice Canada. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family through www.adamsfuneralhome.ca
In accordance to directives put in place by provincial governing bodies and the Public Health Unit wearing a facial covering and adhering to physical distancing directives is mandatory. No gathering is permitted in the church parking lot please.