Obituary of Annie (Nan) Laird Reeves

ANNIE (NAN) LAIRD

REEVES

(nee McNeilly)

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Nan, loving wife, amazing mother, devoted grandmother, cherished sister, and friend to so many, on the evening of February 28, 2021 at the age of 91.  She died peacefully at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital, with her two children, Doug and Helen, at her side. 

Nan was the very proud Granny of Cameron, Claire and Emily.  Her fiery spirit and signature feistiness have rubbed off on each of them, and they wear it proudly.   She was predeceased by her husband Vince – the love of her life.  Nan was the last remaining of her siblings, who continued to be close even though they were an ocean apart – sisters Eileen, Pearl and Tilly, and brothers David, Walter and Bertie. 

Nan arrived in Canada from Northern Ireland in July, 1953, a tall, lanky and beautiful redheaded Irish lass of 23.   She married Vince four years later.  Family was, and remained, her number one priority. She was a stay at home mom until her two kids were in high school, after which she started a rewarding 20-year career at The Independent Order of Foresters. 

Nan lived a long and full life.  She had a strong spirit like none other, and always spoke her mind.  She will be remembered by those who loved her for her kindness and generosity, her love of family and friends, her love of a good meal, a good party and a good glass of Irish whiskey, as well as her stubbornness and tenacity.  Always a proud Irishwoman, it was also a proud moment for her when she became a Canadian citizen.  She regaled us with many a story, Irish rhymes, and good craic right to the end, some of which are not fit for print.  Many of these stories were told while she held court in one of her favourite places – the boathouse on Balsam Lake.   Nan will be remembered and celebrated for her awesomeness always.  She will be greatly missed by son Doug, daughter-in-law Kathy Workman and grandchildren Cameron, Claire and Emily; daughter Helen, son-in-law Mark Jeffrey, friends and family.  And, of course, Mini-Schnauzer Olive will miss her favourite spot on Nan’s lap. Here’s to Nan.  May she rest in peace with Vincey.

A private service, with immediate family, and interment will take place at the Toronto Necropolis.  As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, an organization Nan volunteered with for many years. The family will hold a celebration of Nan’s life for family and friends when we are able to safely gather in person. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.