Anita Denise Anna Lacroix affectionally known as ‘Annie’ was born on January 19, 1952 in Timmins Ontario. She passed away peacefully on March 15, 2021. She will be missed by her wife, Jody Mitchell of 21 beautiful years. Annie and Jody met in 2000 and confirmed their relationship with a commitment ceremony July 1, 2001. Annie and Jody settled onto a 1949 homestead/hobby farm in the heart of the West Coast Rainforest in the Cowichan Valley in 2001. The house and land transformed into a family home that was the place that nurtured loving memories with her children, grandchildren, siblings, relatives and friends on both sides and many animals. The land is a piece of paradise that they both loved to wake up to every morning. The house was always full of Annie’s love, laughter and the aroma of her amazing cooking. Her passing is a profound loss to all that knew her. She was the matriarch of our ‘Village’.
Anita was predeceased by her father, Joseph Lacroix, mother Jacqueline Boissenneault, brother’s Jean(JD) Lacroix, Rolland Lacroix and sister Henriette (Hank) Lacroix.
Annie is survived by 3 children and 2 step-children, 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, 13 nieces and nephews and 12 great-nieces and nephews.
Children:
Rene Duval / Stephane, Natalie (Rowan
Daniel Duval / Zeaira
Carmen Cook (Steve) / Adam Letang (Kristina; Wyatt and Emmett) Amber Letang (Lucus)
Renee Monette
Joanne Popescu (Steve)
Brother and Sisters:
Leo Bernard
Daniel (Wolf) Lacroix, (Suzanne) Angus Dunbabin, Chantal Lacroix
Marie – Jeanne (MJ) Lacroix, Ken McQuoid (Lynne), Sandy McQuoid
Rejeanne (Reg) Cyr (Anicet), Kelly Lortie (Justin), Julie Taylor (Paul), Sky and Joseph/T-Joe
Rolland leaves 4 nieces and nephews to Annie including 12 grand-neices and nephews.
Henriette leaves 2 nephews.
Annie also leaves behind an extended family and friends too numerous to list but no less dear to her.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice would be meaningful to Annie.
Annie will be profoundly missed but will always live within our hearts. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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vern white
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Lorraine lessard My condolences to Annie & Jody’s families. We will all miss her and remember the good memories. I never had a chance to meet Jody and her family, but I certainly know how Annie spoke so well about you.
I had the chance to meet her sons Dany and Rene while living in Pritchard, but I never met Carmen sadly. I know that Annie use to tease me when I first had my first garden. She would drive by sometimes while I was drinking my coffee and admiring my new plants stating to grow. She would yell at me from the car laughing and saying : Are they growing more and how tall ? She would laugh and so would I.
Annie also loved to tease me while I was fishing salmon from the Pritchard bridge, but that was until she saw how successful I was as a fishing lady. We had many good times in those days. That is how I will remember my friend and I think that she will be smiling if she can read this ! I moved back to Quebec, but no matter the distance that exist between people, the love of a friend remains.
I will miss her postings and videos on Facebook, but it is good that Jody keeps in touch with us. I also offer my sympathies to her sisters and the rest of the families that I did not have the chance to meet. I lost my mother two years ago, but I still think of her smiles and the laughs we had. The good memories never goes away and it shouldn’t, the love remains. I hope that you will all find a way to heal and grieve in your own way and time, because I know that Annie would want you to all be happy and remember the great memories and keep on smiling.
With all my love,
Lorraine Lessard
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Bill Fehr Whenever I ran into Annie, it seemed like I had discovered the happiest person in the world and that she was happy to see me. I am going to miss you my gentle, happy friend.
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Lisa Mitchell It is with profound sadness that we say goodbye to such a delightful woman our Annie. I am thankful that I was part of her family for a time. Her greatest gift was to make you feeling welcome and showed this by feeding our bodies, our mind and soul. You will be greatly missed Annie. Be at peace knowing that we will hold you close in our hearts for always. Hugs xxxxoooo
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Donna Cunningham How tragic. Such a huge loss. Annie was such a tender, gentle and loving person. Never complaining. Always ready to lend a listening ear with huge understanding. Coffee, tea and treats were always available anytime I dropped by. Generous beyond words can express. Her smile, laughter and gentle hugs will leave my world in shock. She loved me unconditionally.
My heart hurts for Jody and her family as they take the next steps in their lives without Annie in person. Annie will always be with you all in spirit. Know she will never be far from those she loved so deeply.
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Liz Greer My Annie Bannanie. You were one of a kind and I was so blessed to have you in my life. We shared so many laughs, sadness and counseling sessions. You were my mother, big sister and my sweetest friend. Though we only spoke once on the phone, I felt like I knew you forever. If only I could have felt one of your “gentle hugs”. Rest In Peace sweet lady. Jody,Carmen and other family members, my deepest condolences for the loss of your earthly angel.
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Deb Lawson I am so saddened to hear of Annie’s passing. We became Facebook friends years ago but never got the opportunity to meet in person. She was such a sweet soul and I will miss her “gentle hugs” that were given often and freely. My heart goes out to Jody and all of Annie’s cherished family. Sending you all strength and many ((gentle hugs))
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Barb MacLeod Huge hugs to you, Jody. Know that all your rabbit friends are here for you. I will miss Annie’s cheery voice on the phone when I call to talk to you on rabbit issues and instead, Annie and I chat about our heart issues!
RIP Annie….Love you Jody.
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Colleen I would have liked to had the chance to get to know Annie better. She had an infectious laugh and was warm, welcoming and had interesting stories. My heart goes out to all who loved her. Stay in touch Jody.
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Donna Williams Annie was my Facebook friend for years, yet we never did get the chance to meet in person.
I’ve known Jody since we were young. She was my neighbor across the back fence in Kamloops. She raised rabbits for show and birds. I was fascinated. Many years later, I found Jody again at the rabbit shows. Annie couldn’t come due to allergies, but I always hoped I’d meet her one day. I could tell Jody loved her dearly!
Annie’s kind, caring personality came through in her posts. She loved her little dogs so much, and was always there with a supportive word when needed.
When I hear the words, “Gentle hugs” I will always think of her.
Gentle hugs to you, Annie. Thank you for being my friend.
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Gail & Russ MacNeil Sending our sincere condolences to you and your family. Annie will be fondly remembered for her gentle ways, her laughter, sympathetic ear and concern for all. A very special person, who will be missed, by all who knew her.
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Amy My hear aches daily with the thought of Annie’s passing, the world is brighter for having her in it ❤ Annie was such a great and gentle soul she will be and is already missed by so many May she rest in eternal peace with her puppies waiting/ watching over her loved ones. Giving her gentle hugs forever and always. ❣
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Brin Jackson Annie.
I remember Jody’s visits to Kamloops, hearing stories of a wonderful woman she’d met. Someone she was falling in love with. When I met Annie for the first time, I understood why.
Annie was intuitive, kind, loyal, loving, understanding, supportive, a magnificent hugger, and had a laugh that immediately made you smile.
Throughout the years, our lives wove together – a constant knowing we were never far, keeping in touch by Facebook, Messenger, and comical memes she’d send to me. Always something warm-hearted, guaranteed to bring a smile.
The occasions I’d visit were always joyous. Her expectation I’d stay longer than the time it took for a cup of coffee – usually lunch; a delicious, hearty feast.
I hold Annie near my heart, and treasure my memories of her. A stalwart, supportive presence in my life, I have yet to grasp, and comprehend, she is on an adventure elsewhere. My dear friend, you are deeply missed.
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Deanna Wrate Oh Jody and all her family. I am profoundly saddened by your loss. Annie touched, me like many at my soul. I love the monacher “Matriarc of our Village”! So true.
Love and many blessings to you all.
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Anne Follows Deepest condolences. I only met Annie and Jody a few times but was always welcomed in Annie’s beautiful warm way. She was full
of life and love. I will always remember her infectious laugh and warm enveloping hugs.
Sending strength and love to family in dealing with this loss. Hugs to Jody.
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Robyn A Annie-girl, I did not get a chance to say goodbye and that just breaks my heart. Until we meet again, Bon Voyage. Love❤Always, Robyn♡
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Ginger McCurdy Jody, my heart breaks for you and my thoughts are with you. You are not alone. Ginger
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Kanaice Scott I hadn’t seen Annie for a few years, but she remained and will always remain in my heart as a special soul, warm and full of laughter. My heart is with Jodie and her family.
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Janice My heart goes out to all of Annie’s family..
I loved her very much I’m so grateful to have her in my life..thank you Annie for your unconditional friendship.. ❤️
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Sherry Norie To my dear friend Annie…….You are the gentlest friend I know….You had so much gentle energy to share, I will miss you so much. I am so glad that the universe connected us together. I will never forget you my friend. We had lots of laughs. You welcomed everyone who came into your life. I will miss your bannock – you made the best!
Rest In Peace my friend, and gentle hugs. One day, our paths will cross, and there will be a big reunion once again…. I love you Annie…..
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Debbie gent My sincere condolences to the entire family . She was an amazing , kind loving , person she gave the best hugs and always had kind words for everyone even complete strangers .
She will be dearly missed . Sending my love to all the family xoxo
Rip Annie I will hold all the memories I have close to my heart today tomorrow and always ..
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Victoria Jody Carmen Adam Amber sending you all our condolences on the passing of Annie she had a beautiful soul and a big heart that will be truly missed by all who met her
Victoria and Dennis Starck
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Reta Derkson I offer gratitude to her whole family, Jody and Carmen especially for keeping me informed….i loved Annie lots and will surely miss her. Peace, Love and music and joy to all the people with their hurting, healing hearts…..she’s dancing with the Angels, now….love and Namaste, Reta
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Manon Girard My heart goes out To the familly…so much of memories of anita back in connaught sliding and fishing you Will have a gardian angel watching over you.
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Rachelle Pilon Anita was my cousin. We talked regularly on messenger. She was a good support to me and we also like to share stories and pictures of wildlife as she had Elks going in her yard and I have deers. She was there for me through ruff times and when my dad, her uncle past she helped me a lot. I will miss her comments on my posts and her “gentle hugs”. She will forever be in my heart. I miss you Anita xox
Jodie and extended family
It has taken me a long time to get to a place to write condolences. A beautiful friend with boundless love and an even temperament, Annie was so much more. Where does love go when the loved one dies? It pounds my heart with a need to see the others in pain and voice vast love. Always in gratitude for knowing such a big soul, for being blessed with her love and affection, and for touching the hope Annie spread wherever she was.
My condolences to all who loved Annie and miss her now.