Catherine "Ann" Ann (Horswill) Waldie

With sad hearts, we announce the passing of Catherine Ann Waldie (Ann) in Salmon Arm, at the age of 88, with family by her side.

Ann is lovingly remembered by her four daughters, Karen Waldie (Patrick), Gail Sheasby (Bob), Gwen Brown (Trevor) and Janet Newbery (John); her eight grandchildren, Corey (Kelsey), Sherrill (Matt), Tyler, Jesse, Tanis, Stephanie, Eric and Valerie (Matt); her five great-grandchildren Nina, Hunter, Sage, Nora and Claire; her sister-in-law Dawn Waldie of Castlegar, and brother-in-law Ron Tinker of Claresholm, plus her numerous nephews and nieces.    

Ann was predeceased by her husband Fred in 2015, and her parents Bob and Florence Horswill, and sister Betty. 

Ann was born in Nelson, the elder of two sisters. In her youth, the family resided in various locations throughout the West Kootenays. Stories and photographs, which Ann lovingly collected over the years and later used to compile a comprehensive scrapbook of family history, document many visits with extended family and friends in the area, all enjoying the pleasures of what looks a rather idyllic life, typical of the era.

Ann was active in the Guiding movement as a teen and in early adulthood. In 1954, Ann was privileged to meet Lady Baden-Powell when she visited Castlegar. (She later served as a Girl Guide leader while a young mother in Nakusp).       

Ann graduated from Stanley Humphrey Secondary School in Castlegar in 1954. After graduating, Ann became a proficient stenographer, working for a short time in the school office.

Ann married William Frederick “Fred” Waldie in 1955 at Robson, BC. Ann and Fred first lived in Nakusp, with career moves later taking them to Terrace, North Vancouver, Salmon Arm, and Quesnel. 

Over the years, Ann and Fred enjoyed many activities with family and friends, including badminton, skiing, curling, golfing, swimming, camping and card playing. 

Becoming an empty-nester in the mid-1970’s, Ann upgraded her secretarial skills, working again as a secretary during the time she resided in North Vancouver.

Ann enjoyed her life! She was a wonderful wife and mother (and later grandmother and great-grandmother), a superb homemaker, an excellent hostess, and an avid learner of new skills. Her hands were always busy with one craft or another, with supplies readily on hand to start her next project.   

Ann and Fred retired in 1994 to the welcoming community of Blind Bay, where they quickly made many new and lasting friendships. Swimming, quilting, Red Hat gatherings, scrapbooking and travel, as well as entertaining visiting family and friends, were some of her favourite Blind Bay activities. 

Always a lover of music, she could often be found playing her organ while enjoying the lake view from the Blind Bay home.

In 2012, Fred and Ann made the move from Blind Bay to Salmon Arm.

Ann lived at Mount Ida Mews in Salmon Arm for the last years of her life. Her family is appreciative of the staff there, for the care and kindness provided to Ann as she progressed through her journey with dementia. The family also thanks Dr. Bonthuys for the care he gave our mom during this time.

A gathering to celebrate Ann's life will take place at a future date in 2025. This event will coincide with fulfilling Ann and Fred’s direction to have their ashes co-mingled and spread at a chosen location in the forests of British Columbia. Those wishing to receive more details as these plans develop, please reach out. 

The family requests no flowers. Those so desiring may make donations to the charity of their choice.

In life, we loved you dearly,

in death we love you still.

In our hearts you hold a place,

no one else will ever fill.