GORDON, Anne Isabelle
96, Halifax, passed away May 1, 2009, in Windsor Elms Senior Citizens Home, Windsor. Born in Brookfield, Colchester Co. in 1912, she was a daughter of the late R. Byron and Annie J. (McLellan) MacLennan, and was predeceased by her husband, Rev. C. Earle Gordon DD., and daughter, Kathryn Anne "Kathy" Millward. Anne attended Colchester County Academy in Truro and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1933 from Mount Allison University. Following her marriage in 1940, she began her 31 year career as a minister's wife in support of her husband's United Church ministries in Amherst (Trinity-St. Stephens), Truro (First United), and Winnipeg (St. Andrew's River Heights). In this role her social elegance, generosity of spirit, faith in community and personal humility endeared her to all. In 1989 she moved back to Nova Scotia from Winnipeg to be closer to family and, until her recent illness, continued to pursue an active and energetic role in her church and community. Love of family, loyalty in friendship, dedication to church and community, and a passion for classical music defined her life. She was a long-time subscriber and supporter of the arts, including the Winnipeg and Nova Scotia Symphony Orchestras, the Nova Scotia Art Gallery, and the Halifax Women for Music Club. She was also a member of the University Women's Club, and a lifetime member of United Church Women. She is survived by sisters, Katherine Hill, Walpole, Mass.; Winnifred Johnston, Ottawa; son, John Gordon and daughter-in-law, Brenda Willey, Porter's Lake; grandchildren, David Millward, Greensboro, N.C.; Matthew Millward, Toronto; Johanna Gordon, Halifax; Andrew Gordon, Hershey, Pa.; great-grandchildren, Hannah and Samuel Millward, Toronto. Her vivacious energy, optimism, and joyful sense of humour will be missed by all who knew and loved her. A memorial service will be held in St. Andrew's United Church, Halifax, on Monday, May 11, at 2 p.m. Reception to follow. Interment will take place at a later date in Winnipeg. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in her name to the Halifax Women for Music Club, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or St. Andrew's United Church Mission and Service Fund.