Anna Louise Henderson, aged 78, died peacefully on March 15 at Toronto General Hospital. She is survived by her husband Peter Bunting, Toronto, son Greg Ponte (Natalia Diaz Ordaz), Toronto, stepdaughters Pam (Craig) Loverock, Newmarket, Sue Bunting, Thunder Bay, Jillian Bunting, Toronto, special niece, Jennifer McGaw (Jeff Logan), Toronto and six grandchildren, Emma, Madison, Valentina, Suri, Alessandra, and Charlie. She is also survived by her brother Robert (Anne) Henderson, Port Colborne, sisters Linda Maynard, California, and Bonnie (John) Quinn, Nova Scotia, and nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Doug, and Margaret (Ballantyne) Henderson.

Anna grew up on a dairy farm near Listowel, Ontario where the norm was that the entire family pitched in to get the chores done. Her lifelong work ethic started with these farming days. After studying languages at U of T, she worked as a hostess at Montreal Expo67, travelled in Mexico, and returned to Ontario to complete her B. Ed. and teach languages in schools in Toronto. She was fluent in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. She also completed a Masters of Adult Ed. at OISE.

Her language skills led her to work at the United Church of Canada National office, which in turn, guided her into various positions at the Toronto office of Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace where she honed her skills and interest in equity for women. While at Development and Peace, Anna encountered many people who were engaged in the struggle for justice and dignity in the Global South. Their tireless efforts at the local, national, and international levels made a deep impression on
Anna. Many of those working relationships grew into lifelong friendships.

She worked at the Working Women Community Centre, where her focus was on job preparation and equity issues for newly immigrant women. She eventually became responsible for deciding successful grant applications for the Ontario Women’s Directorate. When she moved to Ottawa, she worked in the U of Ottawa Faculty of Law as Access and Equity Officer.

Whatever circles Anna was part of, she truly connected with people and cemented deep, lifelong friendships. The circles expanded to include the families of the friends, making for gatherings full of fun, food, and laughter. This is how Anna met Peter, who became her true soul mate. They had so many, many common interests – raising the children, camping, birding, cats, reading, good wines and meals enjoyed with friends, chocolate, theatre, music, politics, (in particular, equity issues in South Africa, post-apartheid), and last, but not least, gardening.

In every place that Anna called home, she created a magical garden, an oasis of flowers and plants in the yard. Anna especially loved tulips. Whenever you admire the bright joyfulness of a cluster of tulips, think of Anna. Additionally, you can plant some tulip bulbs, and you will be sharing the essence of Anna for others to experience.

The family would like to thank all of the staff of Unit5A of Toronto General Hospital for their kindness and thoughtfulness during her care there. They also want to thank all of Anna’s dear friends who showed their deep affection for her during her final days. Cremation has taken place. Interment has occured at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. A Celebration of Anna's Life is scheduled for Sunday May 26th from 2pm until 4pm (anicdotes shared at 2:45 from the podium) at the Toronto Botanical Garden.

Donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Scleroderma Canada, or a charity of your choice.