In memory of

Annie Demirjian

December 28, 1953 -  July 25, 2022

Born to an Armenian family, Annie immigrated from Syria in her teenage years. She settled in Toronto and went to Lawrence Park collegiate for high school. For her undergraduate degree, she went to Glendon college of York Univiversity. For her graduate degree, she went to Universite du Quebec a Montreal and graduated in Masters in Economics for International project management.

After a long illness, dignified and courageous battle with cancer, our beloved Annie passed away in her 68th year. Annie was a kind, generous, adventurous and restless soul who loved her family, friends and community both here in Canada and internationally.

She will be deeply missed by her sisters, brothers, partner, adopted family, and friends that she made throughout her international career with the United Nations.

Annie was a committed public servant whether working with CUSO, the Federal Government of Canada or United Nations she brought high energy, devotion and compassion to any project or programme in which she was involved and led. She was also a strong supporter of other women: she mentored and empowered them throughout her career and in personal life.

She was also a strong woman of influence who modelled a unique combination of strength, tenacity, empathy and compassion. For all those who were blessed to know and love this courageous and beautiful soul, she will continue to be a shining light and our biggest source of inspiration.

Annie enjoyed life fully from its littlest pleasures to its biggest travel adventures and spending time with friends, family and travelling. Her collection of paintings that would rival any gallery demonstrate her deep respect for and care of cultures around the world. She was an avid art collector from all over the world, collecting some over one hundred paintings from places she lived including Iraq, Haiti, the middle east, Africa, central Asia and eastern Europe.

She demonstrated profound gratitude to family, friends, colleagues and health care professionals who provided much comfort and support throughout her medical journey

A private family service will be held at York Cemetery & Funeral Centre (160 Beecroft Rd, Toronto) on Thursday August 4th at 11:30am, burial to follow. Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Annie's Life to be held at York University, Glendon College (2275 Bayview Ave, Toronto) on August 19, 2022 at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and Doctors Without Borders by visiting the donations page.

Guestbook 

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Marie-Claire Girouard (Ancienne collègue de travail, Ottawa, On.)

Entered July 28, 2022 from Shédiac, Nouveau Brunswick

J'ai eu le plaisir de cotoyer Annie quand je travaillais à la bibliothèque de Conseils et Vérifications Canada, TPSG. Quelle gentille dame de qui je garderai toujours un bon souvenir. Je suis très attristée d'apprendre qu'elle vient de décéder. Toute ma sympathie à toute sa famille.
Marie-Claire Laferrière-Girouard

Benson Chiweshe (Worked with Annie in Somalia. She was my boss)

Entered July 29, 2022 from South Sudan

Annie was one of the best bosses I've ever had...always encouraging colleagues and appreciating and acknowledging their work. She was so full of life and never one to see problems but challenges that could be overcome. Her laughter and smile melted me even on bad days.

Rest in eternal peace Annie!

Mitch Dufresne (Friend)

Entered July 29, 2022

Annie and I shared many adventures working together internationally which I remember with fondness and plenty of humour. She was a true member of the global sisterhood for which I am particularly grateful.
Miss you, Annie. On to your next adventure.
Gros bisous, Mitch

Yasser Ahmed (Colleague)

Entered July 29, 2022 from Somalia

Annie will be missed. May she Rest In Peace. My condolences to the family, friends and loved ones.

Salwan Saif (Friend, Neighbour, Former Colleague-UNDP, Iraq)

Entered July 29, 2022 from Clinton Township, Michigan, USA

May you live in eternal peace my dear!

Cheers to the wonderful times had together! :)

Photos 

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