Peacefully at Hospice Wellington in Guelph on Tuesday, February 7, 2016 at the age of 76. Beloved spouse of William Greenaway for almost 50 years. Sister of Gail Yascheshyn (Danny) of Kingsville and the late Kathleen Thompson. Sister-in-law of Kathryn Greenaway (John Theis) of Guelph. Aunt to David Thompson (Melanie), Lisa Yascheshyn Collins (Steve), Jason Yascheshyn (Natalie), Eric Small (Lauren Hill), the late Sharon Thompson, and the late Kerri Anne Yascheshyn. Great Aunt to Olivia and Luke Small. Predeceased by her parents, Emerson and Gladys Bawden.
Anne was born in rural Huron County and raised in Windsor. Before moving to Guelph in retirement in 1997 she lived 24 years in Winnipeg. Earlier in her life she lived in Goose Bay, Labrador, and Wolfville, Nova Scotia. She served in the Naval Reserve and attended the University of Manitoba where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She worked variously as a civilian employee with the Windsor Police Service, an administrative assistant at the University of Manitoba School of Medicine, and, after university graduation, as the first Executive Director of the Canadian Bar Association (Manitoba Branch), Executive Director of the Manitoba Historical Society, and Director of Alumni Relations for the University of Winnipeg. In Winnipeg she was an active volunteer in community organizations. She received recognition from Manitoba's Premier for her role in the protection of waterways in Southern Manitoba, she served on the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, she was appointed by the Province as a member of the Manitoba Heritage Council, and by the City of Winnipeg to a special committee investigating urban safety issues.
All of her life Anne's primary passion was art. She produced and displayed work in several media – photography, painting, stained glass and chalk. But, she derived greatest pleasure from fabric art. As a relief from the stress of daily life Anne turned to quilting, producing, collecting and completing many decorative pieces. In February 2007 her work was the focus of an exhibition, “A Family of Quilts”, at the Wellington County Museum. Two of her fabric period reproductions are included in a display at Lower Fort Garry Historical Site. Through the years her art work received recognition and awards.
In Guelph Anne was proud to be one of the founders of the Probus Club and one of the first contributors to the Guelph Community Foundation. With husband, Bill, she established the first GCF “named fund” -- the William K. Greenaway/Anne C. Bawden Fund. For Guelph's 175th anniversary in 2002 Anne donated to the City and lovingly maintained a tree garden at the corner of Metcalfe and Grange in St. George's Park.
As dementia robbed her of her many abilities Anne devoted more of her time to another life-long passion: gardening. She tended her own garden and never hesitated to assist her neighbours.
Family members greatly appreciate the care Anne received through St. Joseph's Health Centre's Outreach Services, staff at The Village of Arbour Trails, Hospice Wellington and the medical team assisting Anne in her last days. Thanks as well to valued neighbours and members of the Unitarian Congregation of Guelph for their loving support.
A Celebration of Life will be announced to be held in the Spring, Anne's favourite time of year. Memorial donations to the Greenaway/Bawden Fund of the Guelph Community Foundation, to the Alzheimer Society of Waterloo Wellington, and to Hospice Wellington would be most appreciated.
A tree will be planted in memory of Anne C. Bawden in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest, University of Guelph Arboretum. Dedication service, Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 2:30 pm.