In memory of

(Christina) Anne Howlett

April 1, 1933 -  November 20, 2021

Our beloved cheery, witty, caring Anne has left us. She was as always contentedly living life to the full until feeling ill and entering hospital in early November. After several days she calmly gradually began a deep eternal sleep.

Anne’s fond memories of her youth on the Howletts' London-area farm were highlighted by her love for horses and tractor-driving. To study at Western University she left the farm, but her farm community values never left Anne. At her graduation and through her life, Anne felt proud and gratified to be among just a few women who’d then had that opportunity. Armed with her degree, she launched a distinguished 40+ year career managing public and school libraries. Early on, she held positions in Sarnia, Edmonton and Manchester, England and, later, key leadership roles overseeing Toronto-area secondary school libraries. And miraculously, amidst all that Anne graduated with a McGill University Library Science Degree and was awarded the Library School Prize for the Highest Average. During her career, Anne was lauded for her many significant contributions, notably the Independent Study Booklet, an innovative and essential student learning tool now titled “Research Success @ Your Library: A Guide to Inquiry and Research for Intermediate and Secondary Students (2017)”.

Our extraordinary Anne is a study in contrasts, a treasure of magnificent oxymorons: extrovert Librarian, teen-spirited octogenarian, frank opinionated empath, rotgut oenophile, unreligious devout Christian, worldly-wise farmgirl, irreverent dedicated professional, classical music / opera afficionado Canoe FM addict, Kraft cheddar turophile, woodfire-loving flower-gardening kayaking urbanite, fanatic casual golfer / curler, celibate HO, nurturing taskmaster mentor, obstinate liberal, and prudent soft-touch philanthropist. And despite all this endearing confusing complexity, experiencing and enjoying Anne was absolutely simple and effortless. Her unfailing authenticity, altruism, and humorous good nature magically induced trust and openness in others and spawned rich enjoyable lasting friendships.

Anne is mourned by and leaves precious memories with her adored nieces and nephews Tim, Caryl, Susan, Tracy, and Scott, her many dozens of good friends, and her pampered Zippurr. She is predeceased by her parents Rose and Newton, her sister Jean, her brothers Cameron (Norma) and Mike (Dorinne), and her lifetime friends Clare Havey and Gwen Washburn.

Anne was a selfless, kind and caring humanitarian: a model inspiring each of us to enthusiastically, nonjudgmentally and boundlessly seek the best in others, and then relentlessly patiently cajole and guide them through productive fulfilling life journeys.

We will celebrate Anne’s life Monday, November 29, 2021 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Old Mill, 21 Old Mill Road, Toronto, Ontario M8X 1G5 (chapel entrance). NOTE that COVID Vaccine Passports and Photo ID will be required for entry.

In Anne’s memory, donations may be made to secondary school student bursaries at www.meritaward.ca or to heart stroke research at www.heartandstroke.ca or to mental health programs at www.toronto.cmha.ca.

Guestbook 

(5 of 16)


Keith Medley (FORMER COLLEAGUE AND FRIEND)

Entered November 23, 2021 from NORTH YORK

Anne was one of my most trusted colleagues; and a warm, hospitable human being who, in addition to being an expert in her chosen discipline, lit up any room she entered with her good humour.

Sheila Summerhays (Fellow Librarian)

Entered November 24, 2021 from Scarborough

Thank you for a wonderful obituary which says it all.

Lisa Nicholas (Donnelly) (Sherwood Forest Cottage Friend)

Entered November 24, 2021 from York Region

Anne was our "cottage neighbour" at my parents' place up north. Our family enjoyed many impromptu and also planned visits with Anne out by the dock or over at one of our cottages (and of course enjoyed seeing Zippurr too!)

Anne and I bonded over a love of reading and of theatre at the Stratford Festival and I enjoyed many spirited conversations with her. I was extremely humbled when Anne sent me a Stratford gift certificate to honour my wedding several years ago.

When Anne moved to Tapestry, my mom and I enjoyed visiting with her there and as serendipity would have it, my grandmother who had also lived at Tapestry struck up an easy and natural friendship with Anne.

To Anne's nieces and nephews - please know that Anne was a special person to our family too. She will be sincerely missed. I will certainly be raising a glass to her the next time I am in Stratford.

May we all live life to the fullest, as Anne certainly did.

Lisa

Ralph Wintrob (Work Buddy)

Entered November 24, 2021

I'm so sorry to hear about Anne. She was such a special person,
gregarious, outgoing, with a hearty laugh, and a huge smile. She
always loved a good story. That's why she became a librarian. And yet
she was never afraid of the technological changes that transformed our
profession.

She organized and hosted our annual get togethers and always made sure
that my dietary needs were accommodated.

But what I owe to her most was her encouragement to apply for a
consultant's position in the library department. Because of her urging
I applied, and to my utter amazement, no doubt with her
recommendation, I was offered the job. I had seven wonderful years
engaging with librarians and students all over the system, and I think
I made a difference. Thanks to Anne.

When my wife Kitty had a book launching Anne was there to cheer her
on. She bought a copy of the book, and had it inscribed.

Anne was a precious soul. She was a consummate professional and a good friend.

Ralph

Susan Lawrence (Dear friend)

Entered November 24, 2021 from Weston

Goodbye, dear Anne. You brought me such joy with our visits and chats. I will miss your stories, your humour and friendship and will remember you forever.