Elsann Macleod

Shirley Elsann (nee Reid) Macleod   - With love and sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Ann surrounded by the love of her family on January 15, 2023.  Cherished mother of Moira Macleod (John Dunn).  Much loved “Grammie” to Catriona, Callum and Mackenzie.  For 53 years, she was the best friend and adoring wife of Roderick who predeceased her in 2008.  Elsann was the youngest child of Albert and Katie Reid, born in Fort Frances, Ontario on November 2nd, 1927. She was the youngest sister to Christine Edworthy (Jack), Geraldine “Mac” Chase (Norm) and Robert Reid (Jean), all deceased. She is survived by many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews who experienced her warmth and kindness first-hand.  She took great pride in being “a girl from the farm”.  She spoke often of the firm but gentle guidance of her parents, who valued both hard work and fun.  Elsann embraced her childhood farm chores, schoolwork and music lessons with enthusiasm.  She could often be heard singing across the fields on her way to and from the one-room schoolhouse she attended in Pinewood, ON.

Ann was a natural born teacher.  Following high school in Fort Frances, she attended the North Bay Normal School for teachers training.  She made life-long friendships through her teaching career and regarded every teaching position as an adventure.  She loved children and was gifted in bringing out the hidden talents and abilities of all her students.  Ahead of her time, Ann resisted the tendency to “label” her young charges, instead using the same firm and gentle approach to build a child’s confidence, making sure than no one was left behind.  Her favourite memory was teaching on Amherst Island in the elementary schoolhouse where she was loved for her school play creations complete with simple, homemade costumes and props and lots of music.

Some of her happiest years were living in Ottawa where she and Rod raised their two children James and Moira.  Ann was always busy, driving her children to various interests, helping in her neighbourhood and church communities and singing in the Ottawa Choral Society and church choir.  Ann was passionate about gardening and was well known for her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens.  She made life beautiful by showing great kindness in sharing her interests and care with all whom she met.  Love and kindness were evident in her radiant smile.  She loved connecting with people and was blessed with many friendships which thrived in her warm, generous and kind spirit.   Her home in Ottawa was a hub for neighbourhood parties, visiting guests of the Clan Macleod Society and many a casual drop-in for a cup of tea and Scottish baking.  Ann’s role as a teacher never faded even after she left the classroom for she was always quick to lend a hand with advice, teaching family genealogy, a Scottish Country dance step or a favourite recipe.

Her final years were spent in Bracebridge, ON, with Rod until his passing, delighting in their three grandchildren and teaching them how to have fun and find their own special gifts in life.  Ann received great care and support at James Street Retirement Residence before her move to the Pines LTC Residence.  The family extends its heartfelt thanks to nursing, dietary and physio staff, PSWs, activity aides and volunteers who took special care to get to know Ann and celebrate her life story, passions and interests.  We are grateful that she was cared for in the ways that honoured how she lived her life with kindness, openness, and compassion.  We are especially grateful to dear family friend, Marion Jones, for her unfailing love and devotion to Ann’s care and comfort and to Nancy Knox and Nancy Telfer who both provided sustenance for Ann’s soul through their shared love of faith, music and nature.

As per Elsann’s wishes cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will occur in the Spring when the gardens begin to bloom.  For those who wish, donations in Elsann’s memory can be made to the Manna Food Bank, Bracebridge, ON https://mannafoodbank.ca/donate/ or charity of choice.