Anne Elizabeth Orfanides
September 16, 2013
ORFANIDES, Anne Elizabeth (née Garforth) – Born May 10 1960 and passed away peacefully to our Lord on September 16, 2013 at home surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of 25 years and very best friend of Tony Orfanides as well as adoring mother of Alexandra and George Orfanides. Predeceased by parents George and Irene Garforth, and step-father Daniel Woodbury. Loving sister of Maureen, Suzann and Paul Garforth. Sister-in-law to Dennis and Karen. Loving daughter-in-law to George and Thana Orfanides and dear sister-in-law to Ian and Tracey Orfanides. A most wonderful Friend to all who crossed her path. Born in Smiths Falls in 1960, Anne spent her formative years growing up at Rideau Ferry where she learned to love the call of the loon and the setting of the sun over the water. She learned at an early age with the passing of her father George how fleeting and precious life is. She never missed a chance to do a kindness for anyone, to share a smile and to spread the warmth and glow of her soul that radiated inside her so brilliantly. Anne was a relentless volunteer, an avid sailor and skier and especially a lover of the ocean and sea. Some of her fondest memories were watching the beauty of the sunrise over the clouds on Mount Haleakala, gently drifting on a kayak beside the humpback whales in Maui, playing with the loggerhead turtles in Kona and making friends with a nurse shark in the Cayman Islands. If asked what she was most proud of, Anne would have undoubtedly told you that it was her children Alexandra and George. Anne’s boundless energy and passion for both athletic and academic pursuits saw them through 5am swim practices, too many piano exams to count and all the academic challenges that serious studies brings. Nothing brought her more unbridled joy and pride in this life than looking upon them with all their strength of spirit, beauty, kindness and intelligence. They, along with their father, hope to honour her tenacity, courage, and fierce love every moment for the rest of their lives. Anne will always continue to live on in all the countless lives that she touched. Visitation will be held on Friday from 3:00-5:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North. A celebration of Anne’s life will take place on Sunday, September 22nd, 2013 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at 297 Grangeover Avenue. Interment of cremated remains will take place at Woodland Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Paws-United Dog Rescue or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at >www.westviewfuneralchapel.com
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank God for what may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
–William Ernest Henley
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I am so sorry for your loss. I spent many hours with Anne on the Orchard Park playground as we waited for our children to come out of school. I will always remember Anne's liveliness, her laugh, and her smile. She still had that liveliness when I ran into her two years ago. My thoughts are with you.
I cannot think of words to describe how I feel. Such sorrow for you all, her wonderful family. She loved and lived every day with passion, strength and courage. One of the most compassionate friends I have ever had. I think I met Anne within the first week I was born and we remained friends to the end. We never missed each others birthday. I miss you very much my friend, Until we meet again, Carol
Dear Tony, My sincere heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of Anne. We go back so many years and I have so many good and happy memories of her. Not limited to her volunteering at Children Aid Society toy drive or teaching me gardening at Pine Villa. She was a delightful and compassionate person. May her soul rest in peace and you find comfort in all the wonderful memories.
To all of Annes' family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I remember Anne from our home in Smiths Falls ,playing in the backyard puddle, the water was just high enough to go over the tops of our boots. I have memories of Anne swimming past our cottage in Rideau Ferry on very quite calm mornings, she always had a very cheery "good morning" to everyone. She will be missed tremendously.
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved. I had the pleasure to work with her during her tenure at Windermere on the Mount. She was an amazing lady, who always made time to share a laugh no matter how crazy busy we were. My thoughts are with you and your family during this trying time. May she rest in peace.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ann's family, especially her children. Great memories of Ann & summers spent at Rideau Ferry. Helen & Kathy
Tony, my deepest sympathy to you and your family Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
To Anne's family - My prayers are with you. I came to know Anne on the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation Forum where she supported many of us with her humor, kindness and wisdom. Even though I never had the privilege of meeting her in person, she was a friend to me and I loved her. I can't imagine how much you will all miss her, but I know that you have may happy memories to treasure always. With love from Beth in St. Louis.
I pray that you and your family will be able to find some comfort and help each other through this period. May your wife be at peace.
Very saddened to hear this Tony. My deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Dear Tony, Alex & George We are so very sorry to hear of Anne's death. We'll always remember her love of life and of her family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this very difficult time. May perpetual light shine on her & may she rest in eternal peace Sincerely Renata & Sandro
Anne was a welcome bright light for our parents, Alec and Sadie Whitfield, when they moved into Chartwell four years ago. They loved her very much. Although they both have recently passed away, their family of David, Carol, Judy and the granddaughters was very much aware of how much Anne had influenced their decision to choose Chartwell as their "new" retirement home, and how she went out of her way to make them feel at home in their new surroundings. It seems that this is what Anne did best- make people feel comfortable with her smile, laughter and many kindnesses. We are so sorry for your loss. David, Judy Carol, Katy and Emma Whitfield
(Donated to Paws-United Dog Rescue)
Dear Tony, Alexandra and George, Antonios and I are so saddened to learn of Anne’s passing. We loved her warmth and exuberant spirit. She had that special talent to make you feel like you were the most important person in her day. Of course, you three were the most important people in her life, and her love and pride in you was so obvious. We are blessed to have known her. We continue to hold you all in our hearts and prayers.
(Donated to Paws-United Dog Rescue)
(Donated to Paws-United Dog Rescue)
(Donated to Paws-United Dog Rescue)
(Donated to Paws-United Dog Rescue)
(Donated to Paws-United Dog Rescue)
(Donated to Paws-United Dog Rescue)
(Donated to Paws-United Dog Rescue)
(Donated to Paws-United Dog Rescue)
(Donated to Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation)
(Donated to Paws-United Dog Rescue)
(Donated to Paws-United Dog Rescue)
(Donated to Paws-United Dog Rescue)
Tony, We extend our deepest sympathy to you for your loss and hope the thoughts and prayers of those around you bring you comfort and Peace.
My thoughts are with you and your family Tony
Tony, my deepest sympathy. Anne was a wonderful lady. I will always remember her for her stamina and determination, a true inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. God Bless.
To my Annie bannani you taught me so much and your grace and presence will always be remembered! Rest in sweetest peace!
My deepest sympathies. Anne will be missed by us all, but especially by you and my prayers will continue to cover you as you grieve.
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. May her memory be eternal.
I am so very sorry, Tony, to hear of your loss. I will be thinking of you and your family at this very sad time. I'm so very sorry.
Anne will always be a part of your life and watch over you. Thinking of you Tony, Alexandra and George during this difficult time.
Tony, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. As you face the beginning of this new phase in life, know that you are surrounded by people who care.
My heartfelt sympathy Tony, Alexandra and George.
Tony, I am so sorry...my heart breaks for you and your family, but it gives me comfort to know, you have each other and all those around you who love and care about you. We are here for you always.
Tony, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
So very sorry to hear of your loss. May your wonderful memories, caring friends and family provide all the comfort that you need at this time. My heartfelt sympathy.
With deepest sympathy
Dear Tony, Alexandra and George, Our deepest sympathy to all of you at such a difficult time. We went to Carleton University with Anne many years ago. We did everything together and Anne was our inspiration. Everyone truly loved her and she loved them in return. We have such precious memories and we hope your memories will help you find peace. God Bless you all , with love and prayers, Roberta, Greg, Allison, Oliver, Josephine, Christopher, Sean, Erin, Kelsey, and Liam Yeldon Hudson, Quebec
Dear Tony, Alexandra and George, Our deepest sympathy to all of you at such a difficult time. We went to Carleton University with Anne many years ago. We did everything together and Anne was our inspiration. Everyone truly loved her and she loved them in return. We have such precious memories and we hope your memories will help you find peace. God Bless you all , with love and prayers, Roberta, Greg, Allison, Oliver, Josephine, Christopher, Sean, Erin, Kelsey, and Liam Yeldon Hudson, Quebec
Dear Tony, Alexandra and George. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family and may God bless you all. Anne was a beautiful and wonderful person, and we are so glad to have known her. We are here for all of you if you need anything.
Tony, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Dave and Mel.
Hi Tony and family. Sherri and I were very sorry to hear the news of your wife's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob, Sherri and family.
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Tony, my deepest sympathies to you and your family.
So sorry to hear of Anne's passing. I knew Anne from our school days as well growing up in Smiths Falls. A beautiful person, condolences to the family.
My deepest sympathies to all of you at this very difficult time. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Tony, Alex & George. We are both so sorry to hear of Anne's passing. I have many fond memories of her as she cared for both our girls, Montana and Ripley at your homes in Orchard Park and Sherwood Forest. She was a kind soul and a wonderful woman who was always first with a smile and a loving word. Our world has lost a wonderful person, but I know that all the memories you have of her will help you to keep her close to you at all times. She will be very much missed.
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.Our thoughts are with you.May your memories bring you comfort and strength.
Tony and family, God often takes the best to be with him. Anne will be a guardian angel to help guide you all through life. I know you will miss her.
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