ELSON, Margaret Ann 
December 12, 1929 – October 4, 2022
It is with grief that we share the news of the death of Margaret “Ann” Russell Carruthers Elson on October 4, 2022 at Hallowell House in Picton, Ontario. Born December 12, 1929 Ann is much missed by her four children Margaret Elson (Rick Lee), Patricia Elson (Larry Sinclair), Donald Elson (Julie Elson), Janet Elson and grandchildren Jennifer and Isabelle Lee and Kelly and Megan Sinclair. Ann was raised by her parents, Walter Little and Netty Agnes (MacGillivray) Carruthers, in Mount Albert, Ontario to value a life of service to her community. After marriage in 1954 to the love of her life, George Elson (d 1979) Ann brought that commitment to family and community to Picton. Ann expressed her love and care for others in her actions, contributing her time and talents to multiple initiatives. Ann served as one of the first women councilors on Picton Town Council and with George Elson was a leader in Picton United Church and other community groups. An active member of Picton United Church Women for many years Ann was a tireless organizer of banquets, bazaars and other fundraisers serving the church and wider community in 1967 George and Ann went on the adventure of a lifetime as they packed up 4 young children and moved to Tanzania, East Africa for 3 years. While George taught in Jangwani Secondary School Ann put her organizational, sewing and design skills to good use as, with a community of other women volunteering with the YWCA in Dar es Salaam, she helped establish a livelihood program that designed and sold clothing made from local textiles. That experience sparked an ongoing interest for Ann in sustainable development and the issues and concerns of the Global South. After George’s death Ann went on to serve the national United Church in many volunteer leadership roles with a particular focus on social justice and global issues. She brought her organizational efficiency and commitment to excellence to each of these opportunities, always giving of her best efforts. Ann was a curious and thoughtful traveler, visiting many countries in Europe, Scandinavia and the Caribbean. A treasured keepsake for our family are the published life stories from childhood on, written in memoir writing courses Ann took for several years. Ann was faithful, thoughtful, generous and kind hearted. She was a much loved presence in our lives and her death leaves a gap that will never be quite filled. In the midst of loss we celebrate Ann’s contributions to her community, church and the world. Hers was a life well lived. A service will be held in the Spring of 2023. Donations to the Alzheimers Society of Canada for research, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Online condolences at: www.rushnellfamilyservices.com