MCGUIRE, Ann Marie
October 7, 1950 – December 10, 2019
“But O for the touch of a vanished hand, / And the sound of a voice that is still!” Early on a December morning in the comfort of her Toronto home, Ann passed away in peace. After growing up on family farms in Schomberg, Barrie, and Washago, she went on to study at the University of Toronto, Carleton University, and Queen’s University. Ann became a high school English teacher, a job she loved; she taught in Peterborough at PCVS, and in Toronto at Madonna Catholic Secondary School and Loretto Abbey (where she became English Department Head). She loved travelling, and for a time lived and worked in London, England, where she met her dear husband and love of her life, Gerard. Ann was diagnosed with COPD and emphysema in the late 1990s, and she received a double lung transplant in 2007. Since then, Ann has been an exemplary member of the Toronto Lung Transplant Club, an inspiring advocate for organ transplant recipients, and a tireless promoter of organ donation awareness. Predeceased by her parents Bert and Vera and siblings John and Mary Rose, Ann is survived by her loving husband Gerard and her two children Rebecca (Colin) and Joel. She will be dearly missed by her brothers Hugh, Peter, Gerry, Tom, Bill, Robert, and Dan; her beloved in-laws; her large extended family; and her many friends. A wake will be held on Friday, December 13 between 5:00-9:00 PM at Rod Abrams Funeral Home in Tottenham, and a mass will take place on Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick’s in Schomberg. If desired, donations in her honour may be made to the Toronto Lung Transplant Club.
Condolences may be forwarded to www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Doug Trollope says
I just heard via Hope Newsletter, I was in TGH on the 10th Dec. and no one mentioned her passing, my sincere condolences to Gerard and family, this is a shocker, have known her for some years now as I am also a lung transplant, really at a loss for words right now, look after yourselves, she would have wanted that!!
Carol and Elliott DeWolfe says
We were fortunate to meet Ann during her visits to Calgary. Then again we loved having her stay with us following the difficult passing of her beloved sister, MaryRose.
Ann’s spirit guided us through the Memorial service here.
Our sincere condolences to you, Gerard, Rebecca and Joel.
Barbara Watkins Davis Gordon davis says
Gerard, Rebecca and Joel, so very sorry for your loss. Ann had a strong and positive spirit. To have known her was too love her
linda rose mino hall says
Ann and I were roommates, along with Lori, during our 2nd year at UofT. Both my old roommates have been my heroes all these many years. I am heartbroken that the 3 of us could not have one more time together. Gerard, Rebecca and Joel, you are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. sending hugs, linda
Maria Caldarone says
So saddened to hear of the passing of Ms. Mcquire. She was my English teacher at Madonna High School. She is remembered as a kind, caring, gentle woman. Deepest condolences to the whole family. May all your wonderful memories help in this most difficult time and know that she was so loved. May she rest in eternal peace
Marilyn Myers says
I met Ann in a volunteer capacity at UHN and we had some lovely chats and shared many life experiences. I am so saddened to learn of her passing. A lovely lady who will be missed and remembered. My sincere condolences to her family…..Marilyn
Steve & Mary Medley says
So sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Joanne Gruppuso-Smith says
My deepest condolences on the passing of Ms. McGuire. She was my Gr.13 English teacher at Madonna. Her passion and kindness made her stand out as a teacher who loved her work and her students. May she rest in peace. May God bless you with peace in knowing she touched so many in life.
Rema Celio (Tatangelo) says
So very sad to hear of Ms. McGuire’s passing. I had the honour of being taught by her at Madonna High School. Her passion for words and her drive for students to do their very best is what led me to my career as an editor. She will be missed by many as she was loved by all. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Chris Fryatt says
Very sad news to hear of Ann’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you Gerard, Rebecca & Joel. I enjoyed our catchup’s outside our
house on Wimbleton as you enjoyed
your stroll around the neighbourhood.
Ann was always so upbeat & appreciated every day that she was given.
norine cooper says
Anne and Rose were childhood friends . They grew up across the road from us and many an hour was spent berry picking and talking and giggling as little girls do. I remember her smile and her big sister caring for Rose. I am so impressed with her accomplishments and the part of her legacy regarding education and her medical challenge.You were a strong and resilient woman Anne. May you Rest in Peace .
Stefanie De Jesus says
Gerard, Rebecca and Joel: There are no words to describe the heartbreaking loss of your wife and mother. Your tenderness and devotion to her in the last few weeks was incredibly heartening.
Ms. McGuire was a remarkable educator. She was caring and held high expectations for her students. I’m grateful to have befriended her in the 15 years since our time at the Abbey.
Our lives have been forever changed because of her, and our lives will be forever changed without her. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family during this devastating time.
Kim Cassar says
my heartfelt condolences to Gerard, Rebecca and Joel, Ann was dearly loved in her transplant family community. She worked tirelessly with the lung transplant group and still found time to help with other events. She will lovingly remembered by The lung Transplant Open And all her transplant family there. –
Kim Cassar
Deborah Watkins says
Our sincere condolences to all who were touched by the wonderful person Ann was. Her smile and positive attitude brightened up the day. We will all miss you.
Deborah Watkins and family
Barnaby says
Rebecca, Joel and Gerard,
Our love to you, from Neus, Joel, Max and Barnaby.
Russ and Linda D'Abreu says
Our love and heartfelt sympathy to you Gerard, Rebecca, Joel and family. Words cannot express our feelings at this very difficult time.
Sheila McGuire says
Gerard, Rebecca and Joel,
Ann was a truly beautiful lady and a ray of sunshine in the lives of everyone she touched; it was always such a pleasure to stand in her light/presence.
She will be hugely missed by all of her family and many friends!
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sheila
Janet & Ken Pidwysocki says
Gerard, Rabecca and Joel.
We will miss Ann a great deal. She was a positive and caring person and fun loving too. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Ken and Janet
Brenda Dainton says
Love to you dear friend.
Brenda Dainton
Tom Donnelly says
Oh Ann, the places we went thanks to you.
Love and prayers to Gerard, Rebecca and Joel, the Noone family and the McGuire family.
Tom & D-Y, Singapore.
Willieann Laven says
We will walk again soon in our “Polish Wood” and sit under an English oak and visit.
Eric Celentano says
My condolences to Gerrard, Rebecca, Joel and all of your family.I have known Ann only in the past year since my transplant but became very fond of her through club dealings. We will miss her dearly
Charmaine Wall says
My sincerest condolences in the loss of your mom. May your family and friends be a source of comfort to you at this difficult time.
Mylène Pearce says
Gerard, Rebecca, Joel and all family members who Ann touched with her warm smile and sincere love; memories will keep her with you while she joins those who left before, especially Mary Rose and John. Thinking of you during this very difficult time. Sending love Mylène Pearce.
Susan E. McGuire says
Gerard, Rebecca, and Joel,
Your courage is unmatched, your life full of love and meaning as shown by your care and support for Ann in her darkest days. Please accept my deepest condolences.