It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother Annie Elizabeth Kent. Annie lived a full and rich life. After the passing of her beloved husband John, she went on to enjoy almost 25 years, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Annie passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022 at the Kiwanis Nursing Home, Sussex, NB.
Born in Sackville, NB, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Dowe) Melanson.
Annie began her career in the late 1950’s at the Sackville Tribune Post, and soon after met the love of her life John. They were married in 1960 and the birth of their son James followed in 1962. A few years later in 1968, their daughter Sandra was born. Annie’s career saw her work in administration for Mount Allison University and the Sackville Memorial Hospital but she loved being a wife and mother most of all. She loved to spend her days in the garden, painting, designing furniture, quilting or taking photographs. She was most happy when she was creating something beautiful. Annie always managed to pour beauty into everything she touched, whether a painting or a photograph.
She loved the ocean and being at the cottage or on the beach. She spent her summers admiring the Lupins at her cottage on Amherst Shore, her favourite place. She was equally content to talk endlessly about her childhood on the farm in Sackville and her 9 siblings, which she loved so dearly.
She was an avid downhill skier and cross-country skier. As well, she loved nothing more than skating in her centuries old skates. She loved swimming, whether in the Northumberland Straight or at the Athletic Centre. She stayed fairly active as she aged.
Our mother loved living in Sackville. After moving closer to her children, Mom often remarked how she longed to be back on the marsh and missed her walks in the Waterfowl Park. She took countless photos of the marsh, the shore and her gardens.
Later in life her grandchildren became the most important part of her life. Every grandchild had their turn being her favourite.
She is survived by her 2 children, James, his wife Carol and their children, Lauren, Sarah and Samuel; and her daughter Sandra, her husband Paul and their children, Elliott, Benjamin, Harrison and Abigail.
Annie is also survived by her eldest sister Ada, and siblings Kathleen, Malcolm, Marguerite, Evelyn and David.
She is predeceased by her beloved husband John, her parents, Joseph and Mary, and her siblings, Leon, Ernest and Marion.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge Street, Sackville, NB (506-364-1300). A graveside service honouring our dear mother’s life will be held on October 1, 2022 at 11 am in the Sackville Cemetery, Pastor Scott Balser officiating. Following that will be a gathering at Marshland’s Inn.
In lieu of flowers, we request a donation be made to the Kidney Foundation.
Sharing of memories, or to send condolences to the family, please visit the online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones Funeral Home Facebook Page.