Obituary of Ann Elizabeth James
October 15, 1944 ~ August 9, 2026
It is with deep sadness that we announce, Ann James passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 9th, 2026, at the age of 81, with her family by her side.
Ann was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Doreen Harris. She was a devoted wife to David for 60 years, a loving mother to Debra (Rob), and a very proud Grandma to Henry. She also leaves behind her siblings Linda (Barry), Pauline (Paul), Trevor and Clive; her nieces and nephews Claire, Michelle, Daniel, Emily, Megan, Molly, Elise, Tim, Rebecca and Hannah; her great-nieces and great-nephews, sister-in-law Rosemary, and good friend, Jean. Ann took an enormous interest in all of their lives and will be deeply missed by them.
Before moving to Canada in 1998, when they purchased a farm in Balderson, Ann and David lived in the UK, where they ran a farm. To help with the farm finances, Ann took what was intended to be a temporary administrative job at a mail-order catalogue company. As it turned out, Ann was rather good at it. That "temporary" job eventually led to her running an entire call centre - an impressive outcome for a job that was only meant to help pay some farm bills!
When Ann and David arrived in Balderson, Ann threw herself wholeheartedly into her new role as a "farmer's wife" and embraced everything the "new country" had to offer. She loved walking on the farm, pottering around Perth, and being outdoors surrounded by nature. She had a particular love of flowers and plants, and took great pleasure in the birds that visited her numerous feeders.
Ann had a remarkably quick mathematical mind and an incredible general knowledge. Her family in the UK nicknamed her "The Brains of Balderson," and when a game of Trivial Pursuit was suggested, everyone was keen to have Ann on their team.
But more than anything in the world, Ann loved her family. She devoted herself to doing things for them, both big and small, always looking for ways to make their lives a little easier or a little better.
Recently, her grandson Henry asked her if there was anything she wished she had done differently in her life. Her answer was simply, "No, not at all." How many people get to say that? Ann did, and we think that says a great deal about the life she lived.
Ann's kindness, love and strength, and the countless ways she cared for the people around her, will be forever remembered by her family.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to nurse Kelly Moore for her knowledge, kindness and compassion. Her dedication and support made it possible for the family to honour Ann's wish to remain at home, surrounded by the people she loved. The family would also like to thank neighbours and friends for their kindness during Ann’s illness, particularly Brenda Blackburn and her daughter Heidi.
Ann supported many different charities throughout her life, making it difficult to choose just one in her memory. If you wish to make a donation in Ann's memory, the family invites you to choose a charity that is meaningful to you.
In accordance with Ann's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service.
