Ana Maria Barrenechea passed away September 9, 2023 after a lifetime of devotion to family, friends, and social justice. Born in Chile where she received her medical degree in 1969, her commitment to human rights and her sense of justice were first honed in her homeland. Her dedication to these goals unswervingly continued after her arrival to her Canadian country of exile.

A loving mother to Javiera Vidal (Pat Saavedra) and her grandchildren, Sebastian, Cecilia, and Sofia, she was beloved and known by them as Ani. Holidays were always happily celebrated and, in later years, festively held at Javiera’s home with extended family and friends. She took much delight in her family’s achievements and shared these with her large circle of friends. She found joy and peace in her many visits to Manitoulin Island, a place that reminded her of southern Chile. A loyal and supportive friend to many, she never failed to remember birthdays or to find time for social get-togethers.

Dr. Barrenechea began her professional life in Chile’s public health system. At the time of the 1973 military coup, she was working in an indigenous community in Temuco. As a supporter of President Allende and the deposed Popular Unity government, her life was under threat and she needed a country of asylum. Her journey to find safety was arduous as she passed through several countries before she was able to enter Canada.

Once situated, she began the process to regularize her medical credentials and she began practice as a psychiatrist. Dr. Barrenechea played a major role in the development transcultural health in Canada. For many years, she worked as an outreach physician with the indigenous community in Sioux Lookout, northern Ontario. She was a distinguished member of the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture’s medical network and provided much needed support for refugee women in particular. Based on her own experience and professional research, she wrote Under Many Fires: the Lives of Refugee Women that was first published in Canadian Women’s Studies Journal: Women’s Rights are Human Rights (Vol 15, No 2-3 1995). This article was later republished in the anthology, Canadian Woman Studies: an introductory reader and is widely used to provide insight into the multiple challenges that women who become refugees endure.

After retirement in 2017, Dr. Barrenechea was able to engage more fully with her enduring appreciation of the arts, music, her library of books, and gardening. She was an active member of the Ontario Mapuche Support Group.

Ana María was lovingly accompanied in her last days by daughter Javiera Vidal, sister Susana Barrenechea, and close friends Mariela Morales and Marlinda Freire. She is deeply mourned by a wide community in both Canada and Chile.

We would also like to say how thankful we are for all the care Ani got during her courageous fight!! Especially to Dr. Osa and his team, Dr. Milosovic and his team and lastly but most importantly to Dr. Mak and the palliative care team all from Princess Margaret. Please consider making a donation to help these amazing people continue this fight that so many are battling!!