August 3, 1933 – September 26, 2021
She can breathe with ease. Peacefully, on the Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital, London on Sunday, September 26th in her 89th year. She died in the arms of her loving daughter who was there when she took her last breath; a true blessing. Beloved wife of 52 years to the late James Frederick Jenkin (2014). Cherished and much loved Mother to her only child Clara McVittie (Brian Wood), London. Forever loved Nanny to Paul McVittie, Lindsay McVittie and granddog Stanley, Ann’s 4 legged companion whom she loved and adored with great admiration.
Fondly remembered and loved sister and sister-in-law to Mary Gurica (Keswick), Veronica Zajacz (Huntsville), George and Joan Zajacz (Alliston), Elizabeth and Michael Tashman (Tucson, Arizona), Joey and Nancy Zajacz (Holland Landing), and Doreen Jenkin (Cobourg). Predeceased by brothers John Zajacz (2005), Leslie Zajacz (2011), and Dr. Steve Zajacz (2019) and sisters-in-law Isabel Zajacz (2020) and Carol Jenkin (2020). Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Ann was born in Lestock, Saskatchewan on a farm, to parents John and Mary Zajacz of Hungarian descent. She was the 3rd oldest of 9 children. Known as “Annie” to her siblings, she will always be lovingly remembered for her strength, resiliency and determination for all that she endured. She was a sweet, compassionate and caring person with much love for all. At her retirement residence, Ann was also known as the “heart lady” for hundreds of hearts she crocheted, given to staff in-kind and as a way to remember her. She would also putter in the garden centre caring for many of the residential plants and flowers she so adored. She wholeheartedly embraced her love for cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, gardening and preserving. She could do just about anything. Ann entered many of her baked goods, preserves, plants and hand crocheted blankets in the Ilderton Fair where she won numerous ribbons for 1st and 2nd place. In the past, she also won ribbons at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. Ann was renowned for her cabbage rolls and dill pickles to name a few. But what she was most passionate about was her ceramic business (Ann’s Ceramics) that she owned and operated for 20 years in Northern Ontario, where she taught classes, passing on her many artistic skills to others. She sincerely loved serving the public and ensuring they were happy with all ceramic pieces they created. Ann will be forever cherished and sadly missed by all. She has left her mark in this world in so many ways; a true legacy and angel among us.
Many thanks to the 4th floor medicine staff and to the Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital for their exceptionally dedicated and compassionate care. In addition, Dr. Zain Burhani and Dr. Kyra Harris-Schulz deserve recognition for their outstanding professionalism and exemplary care to Ann and family. Deepest gratitude to Dr. Marco Mura, respirologist, for his genuine care and commitment to Ann over the past decade.
A private family gathering will take place on Thanksgiving Sunday, in Holland Landing, with Hungarian cuisine on the menu. Respecting Ann’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
Interment at St. James Cemetery in Clandeboye, October 1st, with family present.
As an expression of sympathy and in Ann’s memory, a donation to St. Joseph Health Care Foundation Lung Program (COPD) or the London Health Sciences Foundation – Palliative Care would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Nancy Vandergulik
Clara and Family
My condolences to you and your Family. I loved the visits with your Mom when she lived in Ilderton, Ann was a special lady, always thinking of others💞Heaven has gained an Angel.
raymond labrash
dear clara we were so sorry to hear of your loss.. my wife Chou as she was known to your mom had tried many times in the last months to reach her only to find out today she has passed. our condolences to you and your family she will be missed raymond and rosemarie labrash/capreol
Jennifer Limburg
So sorry for your loss Clara. What a kind, caring and sweet woman she was. Thank you for sharing your beautiful memories of her. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time. Take Good Care. Love, Jennifer
Dorothy McCann
Clara,
My deepest condolences. It sounds like she was a generous and kind person who contributed to her community and enjoyed time with her family . Your ongoing support over the past several years has been amazing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dorothy
Elizabeth Jenkin
Deepest sympathy Clara and Family
I only met your mother a few times but she was a kind and gentle lady. On behalf of my father in law, Ed Jenkin , and my family I would like to express our condolences. Ed enjoyed the many times he spent with your Mom and Dad and was thankful to be able to catch up as the cousins had been out of touch for so many years.
Kathy Draudt
I am truly sorry for the loss of your Mom.
I was only with her twice but she made me feel like it was a life time! I was very
lucky to get a “heart” and it will remain in my car as a memory of your Mom
Thank you for sharing all that you did about Ann
You are in my thoughts and prayers
Excel Pharmacy
Our Sincere Condolences
The Staff at Excel Pharmacy
Elizabeth Tashman
My dearest Sister, you were like a mother to me, I talked almost everyday with you these last few years.
I am so proud of you, my special sister, your creativity was always in abundance, including Hungarian food and lots of cookies, and, of course all your craftsmanship in whatever you put your hands to!
My greatest joy was when we reminisced about the past and you remembered so much about our homesteading days in Lestock, with rest of the siblings, Ann I know your spirit lives on and is very much loved here and also in heaven, No more pain, no more sorrow is our promise when we go to see The Lord!
You have always been kind to both Michael and me when we shared our stories. We are so happy you were surrounded with love by Clara and precious grandchildren. P S thanks for your Love, you , will always remain in my heart, a real trooper!
Love Elizabeth Betty , Michael and Isabella
P.S. I got a letter from Queen Elizabeth the day you passed , and she sent her love to you and the rest of the family, and she was so proud of our homesteading in Canada . Also she received and will treasure the photo I sent of our family.
Our love to you and to your loving family! Miss you dearly, I’m so glad we had so much fun laughing and sharing stories the day before you went to the hospital. So proud , you are and will always be my sister! Love Michael and Elizabeth Betty.
Diane Ruddock
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Mom, Clara. Although I had only met your Mom on a few occasions, she struck me as an extremely kind and genuine person. I had heard over the years of her many talents and I am happy to say that I have one of her beautiful ceramic Christmas trees. It brings me comfort every holiday season when I put it out, as it belonged to my mother Elsie, who loved everything about Christmas. I will now be thinking of Ann too…
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Michael Czechowicz
Clara
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of your mother. Our thoughts are with you.
Sandie and Michael
monica vandenhoff
It is never easy to lose a loved one, especially a parent. Your Mom was a Kind and Special lady Clara, and such a Loving and Caring Nanny to you Paul, and Lindsay. It was always lovely to see your Mom and Nanny every now and then. She had a good sense of humor, and some of her stories were so funny, she’d have me laughing. And hands down, she did make the Best cabbage rolls and chili.
Hold on to your Memories, they will become even more precious, and live on in your Hearts forever.
We are so very sorry for your loss.❤
Paul, Monica and Jacqueline
Ruth Dickie
My sympathies to you, Clara, and the family. I first got to know Anne when Jim was at Mt Hope. Jim and Aunt Elsie became good friends. She was a wonderful lady. I always enjoyed talking to her at the pharmacy.
Catherine Rohrer
My heart goes out to you….treasure the many memories you shared.
Linda and Shane Upcott nee Hodgins
Dear Clara. So sorry about your mom. Jim usually keeps me up to date. Haven’t seen any of you for a while. I remember your mom coming to see me every year at the Lucan craft show, her and your dad visiting my parents, her recipes sent to me and her occasional phone calls. Will she ever be missed. You take care
Michael and Marilyn Scott
Dear Clara.
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. She was a wonderful lady. May fond memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Janine Shantz
Dear Clara,
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. It sounds like your mom was a very remarkable person. Please accept my deepest sympathy to you, Brian and your family. Take care Janine
Wilma Van Bussel
Clara, I recall fondly the years your Mom lived in Vintage Green and how dedicated you were to her. I know you will miss her terribly but I hope you will also remember what a great daughter you were.
Fondly, Wilma Van Bussel
Gaetane Blom
Clara, & family
I am so sorry for your loss. Clara your mom was an amazing women. And you are also. Remember that You have been a devoted loving caring daughter. You have been there for her in her need. I have enjoyed looking at your memories . Take good care of yourself. You are in my thoughts and prayer.
Gloria Wilks
So sorry to hear about your mom Clara. She sounded like a great lady! It was nice that you were able to spend such quality time together.
Mary Lou McRae
Clara, your mom sounds like she was an amazing woman. How special you were with her at the end.
Blessings and prayers
Mary Lou
jim and bev hodgins
Really miss Fred and I will miss Ann just as much.
Marg La Salle
I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting your mother at the condo in Ilderton. She was certainly a kind and caring woman and not to mention another shih tzu lover! Please accept my sincere sympathy to you and your family (including Stan)
.
Laurie Rees
Sorry for your loss Clara. Thinking of you and your family, Stan included, as you pass through these difficult times. Your mom was a remarkable person, and the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. You were a resilient, devoted caregiver to her and her love for her family shines through. Take care my friend. Hugs.
Tracy Jenkin
Clara, my deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom. I have very fond memories of Aunt Annie and remember the last time I saw her in Lucan, and the big hug she gave me. I will always think of her cabbage rolls (I think she made the best!) and the beautiful ceramic pieces she made. I think of her when I bring out the beautiful Christmas house, trees, and Halloween ghost at the holidays. And I also remember an exceedingly cool Darth Vader lamp she made for Darren. In recent years, Aunt Annie’s ceramic decorations are the only ones I bring out! Hand made with love. You and your Mom are in my thoughts and in my heart. Love Tracy
Darren Jenkin
My deepest condolences Clara. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Aunt Annie was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
Charlene Root
Dear Clara,
Thinking of you at this sad time. You were a devoted daughter to a wonderful Mother. Enjoyed all the photos and the thoughtful words shared. You have so many great memories. May they bring you comfort.
Charlene Root
Wayne and Joanne Simpson
Clara;
Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Your mom was a beautiful woman, inside and out. Loved seeing all of the pictures and memories that you’ve shared.
Nancy Zajacz
An amazing lady. A friend you would want to know. A sister-in-law, sister, always there for you. Very caring and shared her ideas with you. Forever in my heart. Will never be forgotten. A sad time for Clara but you had one of the best Mommas ever. ❤️