Margaret Ann McCartney passed away peacefully August 18 on her 91st birthday.
Ann (nee Hardman) leaves behind daughter Jane Everist (Rob) and son Robert. Known affectionately as “Nanny,” she will be missed by her grandchildren Bryce Everist (Karlee), Michelle MacDonald (Andrew), and Lucas McArthur. Ann is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Eric MacDonald. All of them gave her great pride and joy.
Ann was born and raised in Wiarton, Ontario, and taught at Whitney Public School in Toronto for several years. However, she soon set her sights on volunteerism, which became a life-long endeavor.
In 1955, Ann joined the International Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE), a national women’s charitable organization with more than 3,000 members and 200 chapters, focusing on children, education, community support and citizenship programs.
In 1970, Ann was elected to the IODE National Executive Committee, serving as Junior Chapter Secretary, Assistant Education Officer, Education Officer, and Chair of the Travel and Exchange Committee. She became the IODE’s National President from 1982 to 1984, and was particularly proud of her work administering the Labrador project.
Ann went on to receive a National Life Membership in 1978, the highest honour a member can receive from her peers for outstanding service and dedication to IODE. She has been appointed an Honorary Vice-President of IODE Canada every year since 1984.
Later in life, Ann and her husband Ken moved from Toronto to Owen Sound. Ann became Chair of the Grey-Bruce Regional Health Centre Foundation, raising funds for medical equipment and capital projects.
In her later years, Ann remained active with the Bayshore Community Association Board of Directors in Brechin, where her and Ken had finally retired. She also continued to raise money for local causes as a member of the local Beta Sigma Phi, Mu Eta Chapter.
In 2012, Ann was awarded The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal recognizing a lifetime of outstanding volunteerism and her contributions to Canada.
Ann treasured summers spent at the family cottage in Oliphant on the shores of Lake Huron. The cottage was a regular social hub and host to many fun parties with neighbors and friends alike.
A private ceremony will be held for immediate family. Donations in memory of Ann can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Arrangements are under the direction of the Mundell Funeral Home in Orillia where online condolences may be offered by visiting www.mundellfuneralhome.com.