REARDON, Ann Lorna
With full and heavy hearts, we share the great loss of Ann Lorna (Murphy) Reardon, 88, on May 29, 2023. Ann was a devoted wife of 58 years to Don, who predeceased her in 2015. She was a proud mother to Mary Jean (Rick) Bray, Elizabeth (Charlie) White, Don Jr. (Eileen) and Philip (Kim) Reardon. Ann was the most adoring Grammy to eight grandchildren: Heather (Chris) Richardson, Gerard (Christine), Sharon and Liam (Hannah) Bray, Meggie (Patrick) Shannon and Brian (Breanna) Reardon, Heidi and Lucy Reardon. She was an especially delighted Great Grammy/gg to Kyle, Brenden, Declan, Geraldine, Patrick and Maeve.
Ann was predeceased by her parents, Ann and Joseph Murphy; her brothers, Frank (Alleyne), Edmund, Art and Joseph (Vi); her sister, Eileen and her eldest daughter, Mary. She is survived by her cherished sisters and best friends, Sylvia Fahie and Colleen Murphy. Known as the three Musketeers, they shared a meaningful connection and happy memories in their long lives together.
Ann grew up in Halifax and attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart. It was walking to school that she first caught the eye of Don Sr. He managed to visit 15-year-old Ann one fateful day on her front doorstep where she happened to be grounded for skipping school to see a movie at the Capitol Theatre. To her last day, she could not believe she’d been caught, nor her good fortune for meeting Don! Theirs was an enduring love and the best example of partnership to their family.
Ann lived her life as a woman of faith and was active in her church as both volunteer and as Director of Religious Education for 17 years. Her longstanding service was honoured with two Archdiocesan medals.
Known as “Grammy” to more than her family, she will be remembered by her neighbours of 25 years on Beech Street, not only for her genuine interest in them, but also for her surprisingly speedy driving skills on the motorized scooter that brought her so much joy and freedom. There was both concern and admiration for her habit of rounding corners on only two of the scooter’s four wheels!
Ann was an especially passionate fan of her grandchildren’s pursuits, numbering many, with their active lives. She and Papa treasured attending their games and events and were particularly committed hockey fans, putting endless miles on the car and joy in their hearts, cheering on their grandsons over the years.
Ann played an integral role in the lives of her grandchildren, teaching them many life lessons including but not limited to how to win at Mario Cart and beat Zelda. She impressed them with her relentless pursuit of Candy Crush for over a decade. Ann showed them how to live with dignity and grace, thoughtfulness, generosity and humility. She never missed an opportunity to acknowledge an accomplishment or need with a special gift.
Ann’s greatest achievement in her view was, together with Papa, raising her growing family to contribute to the world in meaningful ways. She was so proud to share their pictures on her personal “wall of fame” in the hospital room where she spent her last days. Ann loved deeply and she was loved deeply in return. Her family are grateful she lived life fully and with gratitude, great resilience, and optimism. Ann was a model of unconditional love and had a unique gift for seeing other’s strengths and struggles and meeting them with compassion.
Our family appreciates the loving care Ann received in her last days from the Palliative Care team at the Victoria General Hospital. A celebration of Ann’s life will take place with a Funeral Mass on Friday, June 2nd, 10 a.m., at Saint Catherine of Siena Church in Halifax, followed by a reception in the church hall. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Donations in Ann’s memory may be made to the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission.