We are sad to announce the passing of Ann Elizabeth Munro Walmsley (nee Hewson), aged 91, who passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on Friday, January 10th at Kingston General Hospital. Ann slipped away peacefully with her family by her side.

Ann was predeceased by her husband, Douglas, and beloved son Ian. She is survived by her brother James Hewson, her devoted son Chris and his wife Linda, and her two cherished grandchildren: Drew and Benjamin. Ann took great pride in her family.

Ann was born and raised in the small town of Thornbury. After high school she found a job at Sick Kids in Toronto as a x-ray technician before heading to university in Kingston. She graduated from Queen’s University with an Arts degree in 1957 and was a proud alumna. It was at Queen’s where she met her future husband, Doug. Immediately following graduation, she took a job at the Chalk River Nuclear facility. Later returning to Kingston, where she worked at a DND Lab on the base while living in the small annex to what is now the revitalized Frontenac Club.

Ann and Doug married in 1963 and settled in Toronto, where Ann worked as a research scientist for the Govt. of Ontario Virology Lab. In 1965, they moved to Picton when Doug joined the family law practice. After starting their family, they eventually moved into Heatherbrae, their home on Main Street for many years, of which Ann was so proud. While raising her family in Picton, Ann devoted herself to numerous creative and entrepreneurial endeavors, notably organizing and running the first Bed & Breakfast network in Picton.

With her sons at Queen’s University, Ann returned to Toronto to take care of her ailing mother in the family home. After that time, Ann remained in Toronto and maintained an active and social life there until moving to Kingston in recent years to be closer to her family.

Ann was a gracious, intelligent, and independent woman. She stayed engaged with current affairs, and reading the G&M was a daily ritual. She enjoyed travelling and experiencing the different cultures of the places she visited. Most importantly, Ann treasured time with her family, friends, and the heritage that shaped her. Her timeless style and genteel manner will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the companion workers from Limestone City Home Health Care, who were a true bright spot in Ann's life everyday over the last year.

A spring celebration of Ann’s life will take place in Picton, with details to be announced.

Ann will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. Her legacy of love and grace will endure in the hearts of those who loved her.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Queen’s (Bell Mental Health & Anti-Stigma Research Chair) or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.