Helen “Anne” Battersby (Cromarty) passed away early morning Sunday 11 September 2016, while in the gentle care of the staff at the Glenwarren Lodge. While Alzheimer’s has been a trial during the last decade of her life, it never diminished the spark of a gently strong personality.

Anne will be remembered in service presided over by Reverend Michelle Slater at the Oak Bay United Church on Thursday 15 September at 11 am. After which Anne will be laid to rest at the Royal Oak Burial Park, where her spirit will continue to enjoy the beauty around her.

Born 22 March 1925 to grace the lives of her parents Helen Cromarty (McDonald) and Robert Parker Cromarty in Brandon, Manitoba. She was the eldest of three daughters, predeceased by her sister Barbara Campbell and survived by her sister Jean Mathews. The three sisters and their families were close throughout their lives and enjoyed much time together.

Anne enjoyed a long and active life. She attended the University of Western Ontario and served in Washington during WW2. Returning to Canada after the war, a love of tennis chanced to introduce Ronald and Anne, leading to their marriage on 28 August 1954 at the family cabins on Lake of the Woods. They settled in Winnipeg, raising their two sons until moving west to Victoria in 1965.

The family continued to enjoy the outdoors and Anne was the sole pilot of their VW van. Many miles were logged wandering the back roads of Vancouver Island.

Anne worked for many years at the Times Colonist, from which she retired as executive secretary to the publisher. After retirement, a life long love of art called her to study at the Victoria Art Institute. Canvas, easel and paints graced the Battersby home, telling the tale of an eye for and love of beauty.

Anne loved to travel and enjoyed many excursions to the local parks and beaches with family. She loved to swim and spend time at the cottage in Ontario, where their love first began. She was an active member of the Oak Bay United Church and community since the late 1960s.

Anne is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Ronald Battersby and her two sons Kevin and Keith and grandchildren. Her family along with those whose life she enhanced will miss her and remember her with fond and loving hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society Research Program, with the hope that one day this disease will no longer be the thief of memories and abilities that it is.

Condolences and messages may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

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