Anita Estella Troop passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital on Easter Saturday. A week earlier, her health took a downturn and after precious days of farewells, God “bore her safely over” into her eternal reward. She is free from the burdens of this earth and reunited with her precious parents and three siblings. Annie – as she was known by so many – was the second child of Maurice and Edith Troop. She was born in Nanaimo, BC on the first day of summer. It was there that Annie completed her schooling. She loved to spend time in the sun and the sea. In her youth she was active – she enjoyed baseball, swimming to Newcastle Island, spending time aboard her father’s tugboat, and even played the organ at Sands Funeral Home. Early in her life Annie came to know Jesus as her Saviour and Lord. She was baptized and became a member of First Baptist Church, Nanaimo. Annie continued to grow in faith and service as she studied at Bible colleges in Vancouver and Winnipeg. For a few years Annie served as a secretary with Sudan Interior Mission’s office in Toronto. For someone who was denied an opportunity to be a missionary in Africa due to her health, she enjoyed a long life! Annie also served for a few years at the ministry of Kings Garden in Seattle. Later, she worked in various departments of the BC Government, finishing her working years as secretary to the Registrar of Companies.
Annie loved to serve in quiet yet significant ways. She would often be found helping her church family by teaching Sunday School, helping with banquets, and more. Annie was an eager volunteer with other mission organizations such as OMF, FEBC, and Compassionate Resource Warehouse. The color and fragrance of lavender was a favourite of hers, and she blessed many with her lavender sachets and other sewing projects. Annie’s passion was showing love and encouragement to others. This was seen in the way she was devoted to the care of her parents in their declining years. Annie was a faithful friend. She fostered deep and meaningful relationships. Over the years she provided so many rides, meals, treats, and encouragement to her family members. She was a “second mom” to many nieces, nephews and all “the greats” as she referred to the next generation of nephews and nieces. Following the passing of her brother-in-law, Annie shared a house with her younger sister Gladys. The two were a dynamic duo of hospitality and friendship for over two decades. Seven years ago, Anita lost her dear sister and friend and entered care at “249” at Luther Court.
Letters and cards were the canvas upon which Annie painted portraits of concern and love. It would be impossible to count the number of notes, cards, and letters containing wisdom and encouragement that found their way from her pen to the heart of loved ones and friends. Even beyond her 100th birthday Annie’s commitment to communication was strong. Sometimes she used her elegant penmanship and sometimes she texted using her trusty iPad. Occasionally, she would use her life-long skill of short-hand to keep track of details. Relying on the goodness and grace of God, Annie continued into her older years with courage and dignity. She persevered through COVID and other pain and difficulties assured that she was in “heaven’s waiting room”. She believed she had a divine appointment to pray for all those she loved. This she did with compassion and consistency. God gifted Annie with a clear mind to her last days. And she used this gift of wit, wisdom, amazing memory and listening skills to be a blessing to so many people. Above all, Annie’s greatest passion was to love and follow Jesus. Her life was characterized by the same commitment as Mary from Bethany. Annie also learned to sit “at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said” (Luke 10:42). Indeed, she chose what is better…to be with Jesus!
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Troop” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
-
Sharon Bool
I was one of the people that sent Annita a birthday card on her 100th birthday. Along with others I am sure, she continued our correspondence with Christmas cards each year. She even sent me a birthday card saying, ” I don’t know when your birthday is, but Happy Birthday for when it comes.”
I sent her a card again last year, 2024. She called me her pen pal. Although we never met, I will miss her.
Sharon Bool