With much love and heavy hearts, we are saddened to announce the recent passing of Annabelle (Lowry) Fraser, who lost Geoffrey, her husband of 53 years, earlier this month. Annabelle leaves her sons Michael (Jennifer) and Steven, as well as granddaughters Anna and Lila. She was predeceased by her six older siblings, Henry (Harry), James, Mathilda (Meta), Kathryn, Gladys and Florence.

Annabelle was born to Florence and David Lowry in Claudy, a rural farming village in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. In Ireland, everyone knew her as Nan.

When she was young and single, Annabelle moved to London, England to work as a nanny before she joined the Volunteer Services Overseas and worked alongside the Royal British Army, spending time in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. She was a social worker of sorts – connecting soldiers with the supports they needed and becoming lifelong friends with a few special nurses and doctors.

Annabelle came to Canada in the 60s with a girlfriend looking for another adventure. After meeting Geoff and settling in the Sunnylea neighbourhood of Toronto, Annabelle raised the boys and enjoyed their life with their close friends and neighbours. When the boys were older, she took a part-time job at Ostranders Jewellers on the Kingsway, and then joined Geoff working side by side in their Home Hardware on the Lakeshore. It was Annabelle that was the star of that infamous HH commercial!

Everyone who met Annabelle knew she was a walker and a talker. In addition to her time dog walking with Geoff, she was known for trekking between Bloor West Village and Sunnylea. She often took Anna and Lila for walks to the Brentwood library and nearby parks. One of her favourite places to take them was the Centennial Park Greenhouse at different times of the year to see the changing flowers and displays. She loved having the girls stay over and treated them to her much-loved homemade mac ‘n’ cheese, sugar cookies, and reading many, many “I Spy” books.

Annabelle enjoyed meeting people and was someone who stopped and spoke to anyone, anywhere. She loved to “chat” with people, finding out what they were up to and what was happening in their lives. This could be on the subway, the sidewalk or most times at the grocery store. Annabelle also loved thrifting and antique shopping – she could always find the good stuff.

She gave both her sons many amazing qualities. Mike inherited her love of reading and a passion for travel. Steve shares her artistic nature and creativity.

While we struggle with this sudden second loss in our family, we are also heartened to know that Annabelle is no longer alone and is now reunited with Geoff.

A private family celebration to honour both Annabelle and Geoff will take place this summer at the cottage. We would like to thank the staff and Personal Support Workers the Grenadier Residence.

Donations are appreciated to the Canadian Cancer Society and St. Joseph’s Hospital.