Obituary of Ann Gertrude Gawman

Ann Gertrude Gawman, September 8, 1936-August 29, 2017

“Motherhood! All love begins and ends there.” Robert Browning

Ann Gawman, of Waterloo, died Tuesday at the Guelph General Hospital, two weeks shy of her 81st birthday. She was born on September 8, 1936 in Montreal, the daughter of Thomas and Katherine Ewing. During her childhood, Ann was surrounded by the love of her parents and sisters and brothers (Katherine, Elizabeth, Patrick and Arthur). They were raised on a family farm in Newmarket. During the difficult war years, she felt the warmth and protection of those around her. Growing up, she developed an early passion for reading. Returning home from school, she could finish a book by the time she reached the door step. While studying nursing at St. Michael’s, Toronto, Ann met Bill, a medical intern.They were married in 1956 and began their family over the next six and a half years: Catherine (Andrew), Audrey (John), Ruth, Sarah, Eric (Beverly). Ann was a caring, active and engaged mother. She parented with a sense of humour and creativity. Ann frequently said that she “lived for her children.” She made each child feel loved and exceptional. This love extended to her grandchildren (Rachel, Alice, Teresa, Christina and Amanda) and great grandchildren (Lily, Kobe, Desmin, Jayden, Jahtay, Aneesa, Maddix and Maverick). She took great pleasure in watching them grow and being part of their lives.

As her kids matured, Ann began her academic studies which she approached with energy and open-mindedness. She enjoyed the camaraderie of university life. Ann made many close friends and earned three degrees in literature during a short span. After earning her Mphil, she landed a position at IBM as a technical editor. She was collegial and found the work interesting and challenging. Late in her career, Ann maintained the company’s web page. She also worked for TD Bank and Cybermation among others. While working, she continued to support the arts: TIFF, the Canadian Opera Company and theatre both as a fan and as a patron. Mom and her best friend set a vigorous pace every year at the film festival. They enjoyed small international films together.

During retirement, Ann and Bill travelled to England, Spain and France. They complemented each other well. Later in life, Ann was fortunate to add to her roster of close friends that provided her with much fun and treasured memories. She has been an example for us with her courage, loyalty, intelligence and wit. Even in her last days, she displayed a sense of humour. Ann had so much energy and passion; we did not feel as if she had “reached her time.” We do however, welcome an end to her physical suffering. To all of us who knew Ann, she was our rock and number one confidante. A special thank you to all of the nurses and medical team at the Guelph General Hospital who were so kind and comforting to us all. Ann was in great hands.

A memorial reception will be held in the Fireside Room of the Erb and Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on September 16, from 4-6 p.m. Condolences for the family and memorial donations to Guelph General Hospital and Send ’em off smiling may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.

“I greet you from the other side of sorrow and despair, with a love so vast and shattered, it will reach you everywhere.” Leonard Cohen