I first met Anne Sproule in Winnipeg at the University of Manitoba in her first year of Interior Design, and in the first week of Freshie week that year. I too was from Calgary and a foreign student with the on rush of Winnipegers. No-one went to Manitoba from Calgary. And to my surprise I found that Anne as well as Joyce Coffin were both from Calgary so it was a very happy time. The Interior Design Lab was held in the old huts on campus together with the Architecture group as part of the Engineering faculty and we were a bit isolated from the rest of the campus. We naturally made friends of each other and I became her mentor to assist her in both the courses but also the social life, and Annie was selected to be the frosh queen for our faculty. Our friendship grew and we passed through the four years, three for me. We did much together dating with the fraternity through which another design student who was the connection with Hugh, her future husband. We dated as a foursome. Anne and I both returned to Calgary and continued our mutual friendship. I got married in Montreaal and relocated to Ottawa Our communication links we continued with long distance phone calls. Anne and I both have a great love of painting and spent many hours talking about our respective works. Recently we had planned to hold an telephone call connection where we could paint together and talk. I called her to set up that meeting and she returned the call that she was sick in Mexico and would talk to me when she returned. I was extremely distressed when I read the Globe and Mail regarding her passing. My heart goes out to Annes family (I met Lynnie and Emiie when visiting Anne when I returned to Calgary, particularly with my own mothers funeral) and I wish that I was able to attend her funeral. God bless my beloved Anne and may she rest in peace.

Dear Anne,

It is with great sadness that I say goodbye. I feel blessed to have been your Spanish teacher for four years. Thank you for your kind heart, wisdom, and for allowing me to get to know you through your amazing stories while learning Spanish in Latin America. I am going to miss you, but your memories and kindness will remain in my heart. Te quiero mucho. Un abrazo hasta el cielo, con cariño Andrea ❤️

I was shocked to hear of Anne's passing. She was my sweet neighbour across the street. Always positive and upbeat, Anne was a lovely person to chat with and wave to as our paths crossed. I always loved her beautiful, towering Christmas tree that lit up our street in the wintertime. I often thanked Anne when the lights went on for the season, being in full view of all the colour and light as the skies grew dim. I think of her this way, lighting up the world with her beautiful smile and wonderful energy. You will be missed Anne. My heart goes out to your family who loved you dearly. xo

My mother, Jean Black Suitor, was best friends with Maude Riley from their early schooling days in Hillhurst. Jean was also a first cousin to Cam Sproule. Thus I am related to Anne as a second cousin. During Maude’s later years my husband Charles and I would take my mother to visit Maude for a short get together, to laugh and sing a few nonsense songs. So I feel connected to the family even though we spent little time together. Sincere condolences to Judy, to all of Anne’s children, grandchildren and friends who mourn this great loss.

Ann Suitor Grant, Edmonton

Sent from my iPad

I would like to extend my condolences to Anne's family, especially to Anne's sister Judy.

My parents, Jack & Mabel Webb were good friends of Anne & Judy's parents, & the 2 families spent many happy times together.

My husband Dudley & I spent good times with Judy & her family.

My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.

Sylvia Webb Gerry

On behalf of the employees, students, and alumni of Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Anne. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sincerely

Carol Grant-Watt

Head of School

"Forty two years ago I met Mrs. McKenzie as an apprehensive and angry grade 8 student who had just been enrolled at Strathcona Tweedsmuir School against my will. It was a time in my life when many treated me differently because I was of Asian descent even though I was born and raised in Canada. When Richard invited me over to his home, I wondered how his parents were going to react to me when I walked through the front door. I still vividly remember walking in and Mrs. McKenzie greeted me with the biggest, warmest smile and said, “Hello there”. Always smiling, kind, positive and generous every day I knew her. She is the type of person we should all strive to be. My children have been told countless times of how Mrs. McKenzie made me feel like I was a McKenzie. That meant so much to me at that time in my life. I am grateful that I was blessed to have known Mrs. Anne McKenzie.

It is my hope that during this difficult time that all the McKenzies will celebrate her life and take joy in the fact that she was part of your lives. Your Mother/Grandmother was awesome."

I had the privilege of spending Thursday mornings in Anne's company for many years. She was the "star performer" of our Spanish class and, with her knowledge of the Spanish language from childhood, she was able to provide helpful insights to the rest of us grappling with Spanish grammar. She welcomed us in to her home for many class fiestas; I will always remember her warm, relaxed manner and wonderful laugh. It was such a pleasure to have known Anne and I send sincere condolences to her family.

I’m really saddened by Anne’s passing. I spent a lot of time in the McKenzie house while growing up. Anne, or Mrs. McKenzie as I called her when I was younger, was always so welcoming to myself and the rest of Rich’s gang of friends. Even when there was several of us, Anne would offer us snacks, or even dinner, which always came with witty conversation and a smile on her face. I remember being impressed with her art work and I always enjoyed taking a quick peek in her studio, to see what she was working on. I am going to miss Anne and the kindness and warmth that she brought every time I saw her. My deepest condolences to her children, all her grandchildren and the rest of the family. She was one of a kind and will be missed by all of us.

Anne was a very special member of our Book Club and will be sorely missed. Always positive and happy to provide great insight and comments on our selections - most often with a touch of humour added in! I hope that wonderful memories of her life will help ease the sadness of losing a great mother, sister, aunt, grandmother - and friend.

Donna Campbell