Ann Marilyn Gould (née Robertson)

With deep sadness, Ann’s family announces her passing at St. Joseph’s Hospice on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. Stoic to the end and without complaint, Ann fought a long and courageous battle with cancer for more than 3 years. Just weeks earlier, Ann and Bob marked their 61st wedding anniversary on September 15, meeting with specialists at the London Cancer Centre. Hours later they received the tragic news from their daughter-in-law, Chizuko Oba, that Craig (age 59), their son and Chizuko’s husband had died following surgery in Tokyo.

Ann will be dearly missed by her loving family, including her husband Bob of London, daughter Leslie and husband Peter Hardwick of Mississauga, and daughter-in-law Chizuko Oba of Tokyo. Ann was the cherished Nana of Joshua, Jessica & Emily Hardwick, with whom she shared deep and abiding love. Ann is survived and loved by her sister Janet Robertson, her brother John Robertson and family, brother Don Robertson and Bob’s seven siblings and their families.

Ann was born in Halifax on March 5, 1940 to parents Dr. John Robertson and Margaret Robertson (nurse); both deceased. Ann chose a healthcare career and in 1961 graduated from the Victoria General School of Nursing in Halifax. Ann and Bob met while both were students in Halifax, and in 1962 they married and embarked on a whirlwind journey. In their first 10 years they lived in 11 different locations including three in Newfoundland, plus Perth, Halifax, Montreal, Niagara Falls, and two years in Athens, Greece, before settling in London, Ontario. While Ann may have wondered quietly about the stability of her husband, she embraced each of these moves with enthusiasm by making friends, nursing and volunteering. Her longest commitments to volunteering included Multiple Sclerosis Canada and the May Court Club of London where she found special joy with the former Marionettes group.

Ann encouraged Bob to embrace new adventures, leading to their enduring passion for skiing, sailing and travel. They enjoyed numerous ski trips around the world sharing the joy with their children, grandchildren and friends. Their immersion in sailing started with racing small dinghies and later evolved to chartering sailboats worldwide with a special group of friends. The pleasure of cruising eventually led to spending many winters living aboard Water Music, their very own Island Packet 420.

Ann’s heartwarming smile was the window to a beautiful person inside and out. She gave unconditional love to her friends and family, always striving to live a life free from negativity. Cremation has already taken place and a memorial service will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Friday, October 20, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. A livestream of the service will be available for those unable to attend in person. To register for the livestream, please click here:  Livestream Registration for the Memorial Service of Ann Marilyn Gould

Interment with immediate family will occur at a later date and at a location to be determined.

Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Ann are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society  – Breast Cancer Research or St. Joseph’s Hospice of London.