ANN ELIZABETH DeBOER

February 4, 2021

Ann Elizabeth DeBoer of Lucknow died at her home, Feb. 4, 2021, at the age of 67, from the lung disease, COPD. Apart from her lung condition, she still had so much spunk and life left in her. So, it was quite a shock when she died. Always the nurturer and helper of those around her, Ann loved to take care of others. She didn’t necessarily see herself as a strong leader, even though she trained many others in her places of work. It was noticed by those around her, though. As the famous author and speaker Simon Sinek says, “Leadership has nothing to do with rank. Leadership is the responsibility of taking care of those around us.” In that regard, Ann was a leader to many people, generous with her heart and time. Over the years, she welcomed into her home at least 10 people who were going through a hard time in life and needed more support. In addition, she would regularly go visit people who were feeling down and out. In this informal capacity, she volunteered in her community as a social worker and counsellor throughout her adult life. Ann loved to laugh and make others laugh. She especially did that with her grandchildren, Colton and Lily, whom she cherished. She was great at playing with kids and stayed young at heart. A faithful, committed employee of the Pine River Cheese and Butter Co-operative, she was awarded the honour of 25 years of service. She was determined to work hard for the success of the farmers, the board, co-workers and customers. In the past, she also worked at Bruce Power, an apple orchard outside Tiverton, the Bruce Inn, and factories in the Guelph and Kitchener areas where she grew up. Ann loved her family and friends, strongly and deeply. If you were her relative or friend, you knew her to be loyal, kind, supportive and fun-loving. She leaves a hole in our lives but filled our hearts with much love, good memories, laughter, warm hugs and kind words. This dear woman loved God, studied the Bible, and looked forward to being in Heaven with the angels, reunited with older family, and free of any hardships of this life. She is now at peace, healthy and whole, basking in the loving presence of her Saviour, Jesus Christ. Ann was predeceased by her mother, Gene Robinson Martin of Kincardine; and her father, Andrew DeBoer of Exeter; as well as her uncles, Jack Lang, Bev Schultz, Dean Karn, Helmut Welsand, Robert (Bob) Robinson, and Alec Robinson. She is survived by, and will be greatly missed by, her large family: her two children, Sonya DeBoer Cameron and Jason DeBoer; her sister, seven brothers and all their life partners, Deanna (Danny) DeBoer Winters, Ken (Rose) DeBoer, Guy (Charlotte) Martin, Dave (Shari) Martin, Bill (Robyn) Martin, Mike (Donna) Robinson, Joel (Michelle) Martin. Also remembered by her step-father, Ken Martin of Chesley; her aunts, Dorothy Schultz of Chesley, Betty Karn of Cobalt, and Alice Welsand of Chesley; and her nieces, nephews, cousins and more beloved extended family. Private arrangements have been entrusted to the MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Home, Lucknow. Condolences and memorial on-line at www.mackenzieandmccreath.com. Memorial donations to the Samaritan’s Purse Canada, Teen Challenge Canada, Harbour Church summer kids program, or Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Kincardine and District, would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.