Ann Desbarres Clifford

After a wonderful life filled with love and adventure, the sweetest woman in the world left us on March 24th, in her 94th year.

Ann was the cherished best friend and soulmate to the late Charlie for 60 years, and the loving and beloved mother of Gordon (Carolyn) and Karen (Doug). She leaves behind her grandchildren to whom she was absolutely devoted: Jeffrey, Andrew, Sarah (David), Gregory (Nicole) and Jessie (Gianni), as well as three great-grandchildren. She was the dear aunt of Stephen English, Pamela English-Caldwell, Catherine English-Butterworth (Bob), and the cousin of Joan Wright (Bob) of Toronto. She is lovingly remembered by Nancy Clifford and Norman Thuswaldner.

Ann and Charlie had a marriage that was a joy to behold, and together they travelled extensively, enjoyed many sailing trips, had many lively discussions about news and politics, and hosted countless dinner parties and get-togethers for family and friends at their home on the Ottawa River. Ann was the ultimate hostess and a phenomenal cook who made it all look easy.

Ann was a proud graduate of Lisgar Collegiate and the University of Toronto. Beautiful inside and out, she devoted her career to improving the lives of others, as a social worker with Children’s Aid Societies (initially in Montreal and then Ottawa), and in the Early Childhood Education field. Her passion for the welfare of children continued into retirement, with volunteer work at International Social Services and the Child Poverty Action Group.

Ann outlived many of her friends, but is survived by two of her dearest ones: Constance Johnson (late Arthur) and Pat Russell (David) who have many treasured memories of Ann. Although Ann suffered with Alzheimer’s disease in her last years, she kept her sweet nature, and ended every visit with her beautiful smile and a chorus of "I love you's". She will be deeply missed. 

A private celebration of life will take place at a later date. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Forest Hill long-term care who cared so lovingly for Ann in her last months. In memory of Ann, donations can be made to the Children’s Aid Foundation of Ottawa https://cafott.ca/ or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada https://secure.llscanada.org/. 

No visitation. A celebration of life to be announced at a later date, but if you wish to offer condolences or notes of any memories to share these are most welcome.