Ann Wallace

Elisabeth “Ann” Wallace (née MacLeod), age 88, passed away the evening of June 18, 2023.  Her children were by her side.

Ann was a person of kindness and gentleness who cherished her family. She was generous and made her home a welcome place to others, finding goodness in all people. Despite multiple health issues over the years, she persevered with inner strength and positivity. She will be lovingly remembered by her five children and spouses, Phillip Wallace (Becky), Murray Wallace (Julie), Beth Ness (Alex), Karen Mellum (Loren), and Kathy Nevins (Jim). Her seven grandchildren: Jonathan, Kaylee, Duncan, Randy, Liam, Annika, and Maisy loved their Nana and will miss her cards sent on every occasion. Ann also leaves nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as many other extended family members and countless friends.

Ann was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia in 1935 and had a unique upbringing, being raised by 3 women, her grandmother Daisy, mother Mary Elisabeth and Aunt Kaye. She grew up in Saint John, New Brunswick and graduated from Saint John High School in 1953. She attended Mount Allison University the following year and graduated from McGill University in Physiotherapy in 1956. She treated patients at a polio clinic in Frederickton, NB. She married Al Wallace in 1959 in Saint John, NB, and together they embarked on numerous moves to various cities in British Columbia, where she made lifelong friends who became like family. Ann viewed each new location as an adventure. In 1983, they moved across the border to Grand Rapids, MN. Following their divorce in 1997, Ann lived in Birch Bay, WA, then Hastings, MN, before spending her final years in Madison, WI.

She was an extraordinary mother and grandmother, loving others beyond her own, and making each person feel special. She created travel kits for long trips, favorite birthday cakes and parties, Santa sacks, and random unique packages with calendars and small gifts. She encouraged each of her five children to follow their interests and dreams.

She enjoyed ceramics, crafts, bridge, golf, curling, and she was an avid reader. She loved travels all over the world. She gave to innumerable charities and volunteered at church, school, and community events. She was also known to have said that she “enjoyed her own company” and perhaps in that, fostered a trusted homey space for others.

Ann was a Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) cancer survivor for almost 20 years.

A final private family viewing occurred on June 22, 2023. A celebration of Ann’s life will be held in the summer of 2024 back to her early roots where she will be buried with those who raised her at Haliburton Cemetery in Pictou, Nova Scotia. Details to be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Mayo Clinic, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, National Wildlife Federation, Habitat for Humanity, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Second Harvest Food Bank, Doctors without Borders, the Audubon Society, Boys Town, any state Public Radio, or any charity of your choice. We weren’t kidding, she was generous.  She will be dearly missed.