Obituary of Anne Dunn

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that our family announces her peaceful passing in her sleep on the morning of Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Anne was born April 3, 1929 in Sault Ste. Marie to the late Philip and Paraska (Holowatiuk) Boyko formerly of Ukraine. Predeceased by her sister Mary Boyko in 2005 and her husband Frank Dunn in 2020. Loving mother of Karen (Dunn) Conforzi and her husband Troy of Goulais River. Grandmother of Casey (Joichiro) of Osaka, Japan and Corey of Victoria, British Columbia.

Anne spent most of her formative years at 579 Parliament St., where the neighbours became lifelong friends. Her folks were avid gardeners. The entire backyard of her family home was cultivated. The abundant raspberry bushes produced delicious homemade wine.

Anne’s first employment was at Camp Wakonda in Echo Bay as a camp counsellor. She graduated Grade 13 from Collegiate Institute in 1947 with instruction in Botany and Latin. She attended Normal School (teachers college) in North Bay on a scholarship and then began her career teaching in Sault Ste Marie primarily at Francis H. Clergue Public School. 

In her brand-new vehicle with three friends from teachers college she spent two summers travelling. The road trip to Western Canada saw a detour south and they headed to California. She particularly enjoyed the Calgary Stampede, the Rocky Mountains, the tour of Alcatraz, and Yellowstone National Park. The east coast of Canada was explored the following year. The highlights of that entailed Old Quebec City, the Halifax Harbour, and visiting the home of Anne of Green Gables. 

She was a woman who loved literature and was fanatic about grammar and proper spelling. She was “Anne with an ‘e’” to the end of her 96 years. She loved a good mystery. Phyllis A. Whitney and Agatha Christie were two of her old favourites. In her later years, she enjoyed the Alphabet Series by Sue Grafton. Her husband, Frank, nicknamed her chapter as she frequently would delay preparing supper. She would be heard constantly saying, “After I finish this chapter.” 

When she did not have her nose in a book, she volunteered. In 2001, she was recognized for her outstanding service and contribution to the Sault Trailblazers Snowmobile Club. She could also be seen at Strathclair Farm, the home of the Sault Horse and Pony Club where her daughter kept her horse, Highland Fling. She was a staple in the canteen and assisting with horse shows. She and her husband made many great friends through the ‘Pony Club’.

In her early 40’s, Anne continued her formal education. She studied at Algoma College and graduated with a B.A. with High Distinction in Geography and History from Laurentian University. Anne was a part of a group they called the ‘Card Girls’ who were close friends for at least 50 years. They enjoyed games of Canasta and Rummoli, shopping weekends away together, and celebratory birthday lunches. They were known for their repurposed birthday cards. 

Summers were spent along the shores of the Goulais River beneath the tall pine trees. It had been her parents’ property first and now her daughter’s. Picking sand cherries and wild blueberries were pleasurable to her. She had many friends along the Pine Shores and many wonderful memories were made. Another place that meant a lot to Anne was Apopka, Florida. Travelling there with family and friends to camp with Yogi Bear and visit Mickey Mouse brought a smile to her face even in her last few days of life.  

She enjoyed being a fan at all of her grandson’s activities of which there were many; music, theatre, hockey, soccer, track and field, and swimming.

A private graveside service was held for Anne on Wednesday, July 9. One of her favourite songs, Those Were The Days, sung by Mary Hopkin was played. In Anne’s honour, please read a mystery novel or correct someone’s written or spoken grammar (gently, of course). Memorial donations to the Goulais River Fire and Rescue would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). www.northwoodfuneral.com