In Loving Memory of Ann Frances McLean-Gardner
1960 – 2025
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Ann Frances McLean-Gardner, who left us so suddenly on April 22, 2025, at the age of 65.
Born and raised in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, Ann was raised by her beloved grandmother, “Ma” or “Granny McLean.” Her roots on the East Coast shaped her lifelong love for the ocean—she was happiest when near the water and returned often to visit family and friends who remained, always making time to dip her toes in the Atlantic Ocean. As a teenager, Ann moved to Ontario, where she met the love of her life, Tony. The two spent the next 48 years together, building a life filled with love, laughter, and family. For the past 18 years, Ann called Tottenham, Ontario home, where she continued to embrace her east coast spirit while staying closely connected to the people and places she loved most.
Ann built a meaningful career supporting students at Humber College, where she held various roles in both food service and the Registrar’s Office. Known for her strong work ethic and caring nature, she especially loved supporting first-year students as they navigated the newness of college life, offering guidance, reassurance, and a warm welcome.
She is deeply missed by her loving husband George “Tony” Gardner, her son and daughter, Adam and Courtney Gardner, and her four grandchildren Clark, Georgia, Max, and Cara. Nothing brought Ann more joy than being with her grandchildren – she loved playing, laughing, and sharing special moments with them.
Ann was a music lover with a soft spot for classic rock and she was known for her vibrant energy and always being on the go. A passionate cook, she loved hosting family gatherings and discovering new places through her travels. She held a deep love for all animals – and spent much of her day in the company of her dog Rosie and cat, Pugsley.
A celebration of life will be held this summer, where friends and family can gather to honour her memory. Details to follow in the coming weeks.
Flowers are not necessary, but for those who wish to honour Ann’s memory with a donation, the family recommends supporting a cause close to her heart: animal welfare. Contributions can be made to your local animal shelter or to one of the following organizations: Dog Tales Rescue or Potcake Place K9 Rescue.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has reached out during this time of grief. Your messages, kind gestures, and shared stories about Ann have brought comfort and a reminder of all those who loved her during her too short life.
Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
“The ones we love are never gone; they live within us in the quiet moments, in the laughter, and in the love we carry forward.”
Service
Celebration of Life to be held at a later date
Rose says
Tony and all the family
Sending you my condolences and love for your huge loss.
I was so fortunate to know Ann for many years. She had an infectious laugh and a beautiful kind personality. Ann you will be missed unbelievably, but I am so fortunate that I had a chance to spend some time with you while you were here
… I love you miss you, Rose❤️
Rest in peace, sweet Ann
Suzanne Gardner Flowers Inc says
Tony and Family,
We want to offer our Sincere Condolences to you all for the loss of Ann.
We have done a donation to Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary in Anns Name.
Suzanne Nicole and the SGF team.
Dianne Davies says
I worked closely with Ann in the Customer Service department of Humber College. She was always helpful and willing to share her extensive knowledge of Humber and its various systems. We joked about Tottenham having only one tragic light and discussed buying property as an investment instead of RESPs (which had lots of restrictive rules and regulations in those days). Gone too soon but she will never be very far away.
Brian Fuller says
To the McLean-Gardner family, please accept my sincerest condolences and prayers for your loss.
Ann was a good colleague, and a even better friend. During my time in the Humber college registration office, Ann was my unofficial peer mentor. She challenge me to be my best, and always supported me whenever I needed help… Ann was truly dedicated to the success of those she worked with. As I got to know Ann better, she became the type of coworker that I was proud to call my friend. I pray that Ann’s soul rest in eternal peace
Nancy Barton says
Tony and Family
Thinking of you at this very sad and difficult time. My sincere condolences on the loss of your life long partner and your children,s mother.
Irene Edwards says
I wish to deeply offer my condolences to Tony, Courtney, and Adam. Ann was a wonderful friend and I will miss her so much. If you need any support please reach out to me. I know Ann would like that. Take Care.
Cinzia Marrocco says
My deepest condolences to you Tony and your family on this very sad and great loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Cinzia Marrocco (Floreale Floral Event Boutique)
Lisa Hay says
I worked with Ann for several years in Humber’s Registrar’s Office. Her infectious laugh and firecracker energy were truly unforgettable and brought joy to the office.
Heartfelt condolences to Ann’s family and loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rest in Peace, Ann.
Madeline MacIsaac says
My deepest sympathy for your loss~
Maureen (Mo) Martin-Edey says
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of Ann. A dear friend from way back in our Humber days, we reconnected when she started to attend my chair yoga classes a few years ago. We always had a great fun friendship, and would reminisce about our Support Staff conference fun; the good old days. She had an infectious lively personality and loved her family and best friend Darlene. I will miss her and and keep her in my fondest memories. Sincere condolences to Tony and all the family.
Kamaldip Dhamoon says
I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to Anne Gardner’s family, she was a larger than life personality, I will pray for her.
Anne was a fun human being, her laugh was contagious, she mentored me when I first started at Humber College. She would try to imitate my British accent with her Newfie
accent! She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind and I aspired to grow into a strong women like her. I have thought of her often and how she looked like she was always up to something.
I love you Anne and miss our chats, behave yourself in heaven!!
Michele Marshall says
My heartfelt thoughts & prayers go out to all of Ann’s family. Ann was one in a million. She made life in the Registrar’s office at Humber a fun place to be. Her kindness and patience in helping me out when I first started a long time ago was so very much appreciated and never forgotten.
Robert Kent says
In memory of a big smile and an even bigger heart. Blessings to the family in this time of loss.
Sivanithy G says
My condolences to the family of Ann. We worked together at Humber – and she was funny and always made the day extra special. Rest in Peace.
Aldale Robinson says
My condolences to Tony, Adam, Courtney and the rest of the family. I worked with Ann at Humber College in Customer Service. She was so kind, helpful, funny and friendly. I loved working with her and sharing laughs and stories. While nothing will be able to remove the pain of her absence, I hope that all the warm memories that you all shared over the years bring you some level of comfort.
Alma Labayen says
My condolences to the Family. Working with Ann at Humber was great. She had a great sense of Humor, and we got along really well. Great times working with Ann! I’m honored to have had the chance to know and work with her. She was definitely one of the greats and showed me the ropes around the office! Rest in Paradise Ann!
Natasha Curtis says
My heart is heavy hearing the loss of Ann. She was my coworker at Humber many years ago. She helped me learn the ropes when I was hired. We shared smiles, laughter snd many good times together.
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. My family and I are sending our deepest condolences ️
Darlene says
My Deepest Condolences Tony,Adam,Courtney,Kat,Marco
Ann and I met 25 years ago at Humber and became instant friends and became like Sisters. I will miss all our adventures, laughs,and deep conversations. Ann was so proud of her kids and loved her grandchildren deeply.
Rest In Peace my dear friend.
You will never be forgotten.
Dar ❤️
Andrew Salmon says
Hi Courtney and family, my heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family for this tragic loss. I hope this brings you a time for all in the family to grieve together, pay tribute to her, share memories, and remember all the beautiful ways she was part of the fabric of your family. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones during this time.
Anita says
Dear Tony and family, words cannot express our shock and sadness at Ann’s untimely passing. The boys (Todd, Jason and Troy) loved her and she loved them-always had their backs!! She was Troy’s Godmother. Ann will be missed.
Rose and Vince MacLean says
Our deepest Condolences Tony ,Adam and Courtney and the Grandchildren on the passing of our dear Ann Frances, she will be missed here on our beautiful Island . From our Family to yours Tony you all have a special place in our hearts . RIP dear Ann Frances I’m sure all that went before us were waiting with open arms. Vince, Rose and Family
Mary D MacLeod says
So sorry for your loss
Linda Colter says
So sad to hear of Ann’s passing and your shocking loss.
My sincere condolences to Tony, Adam, Courtney, and family on behalf of my family “The Colter’s” Dave, Linda, Michelle, Alex, Sean
Bev and Sheldon says
Condolences to all her family and friends. She will be missed by so many people. Wishing you strength and comfort in this very difficult time.
Sherr Coates says
Ricky, Sherri and my son Justin sends our deepest sympathies to Tony and his children, grandchildren and Dave Maclean & his wife Debbie. We met Ann when she and Tony came down to the Eastern Townships to the country house and right away we new what a kind hearted lady she was. When Macdonald, s had the cards that you could get free coffee aftter the card was full she always sent them down for my husband and myself. We never had to buy coffee for a very long long time and i wish she new how much we appreciated and she thought of us and what a beautiful thing she did. It might not seem much for some people but it did to us and much more. We were hoping to see her again and when we received the news we were more then shocked. RIP Ann. You will never be forgotten ❤️
TROY says
My condolences RIP
To Tony,Adam,Courtney and Family’s
Dianne (mc lean) Iannetti says
Deepest sympathy for Ann Francis family and grandchildren ❤️may you treasure all the memories with Ann and may god bless you all Granny met her at golden gates of heaven ❤️
DEIRDRE FITZGERALD says
My sincere condolences to Tony snd family
Ann was magic from the day I met her. I always looked for her at her families parties and I loved being in her company.
In our live times we are very lucky if we meet the universe’s very special people.
Ann was one of those people and I consider myself so fortunate to have met and befriended her.
I love you Ann.
Beautiful journeys to you.
Scott.Lisa&Brooke says
Tony, Marion, Adam, Courtney & Families
We are still in absolute shock over losing Ann. Her big smile, her voice, her laugh, her fires and her great music always playing. And not being able to see her anymore whether it’s a quick hello from our driveways or hanging outside, or just hearing her voice from over the fence, it’s unimaginable. She will be missed and the neighbourhood will not be the same without her……
Scott , Lisa & Brooke
Rosemary Campbell says
My sincere condolences to Tony, Adam,Courtney and all her grandchildren Ann was just like my sister which I thought the world of I’m sure going to miss you you were one of a kind so loving, kind and very thoughtful loves ya Ann rest easy ❤️
Frances Chislett says
Condolences to Ann families especially her husband (Tony) children Adam, Courtney and her lovely grandchildren’s .She will be greatly missed. RIP and Fly with the angels
Diane Beekharry says
So sorry for your loss. Ann was such a vibrant kind person. Our girls used to figure skate together. She always was so dedicated to her children.My condolences to Tony Adam and Courtney on behalf of my family.
Stella Muscatello says
Heartfelt condolences to all the family, specially to Tony, Adam and Courtney.
We will miss you Ann