Ann died on Sunday, August 20, 2023, in her home in Huntsville, ON from the ravages of ALS.
Beloved wife for 19 years of Brian Bell. Much loved mother of Andrea Jarzab (Michael Mann), grandmother to Stella and Julian Mann of Buffalo, New York. Also survived by brother Richard Stark (Penny) of Vancouver, BC. She also leaves behind the Jarzab family in the U.S.A. and the Bell family: Beverly and Denny Murray (Windsor), Elizabeth and Bruce Gowan (Huntsville), Joan and Jim Pirie (Huntsville), and her many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by parents Marie Smalcelj and George Stark, brother Rudy (Joanne), and former husband Ralph Jarzab.
Ann was a much loved and admired teacher from the age of 17 in primary classrooms in Capreol, Timmins, Burlington, and Niagara Falls, ON until her retirement in 1999.
Born and raised in Schumacher, ON, Ann played sports and sang in several groups including the Terriettes who occasionally entertained at the “Mac” teen dances in the 50’s. After a few years teaching in Timmins Ann moved to Burlington to teach until her marriage to Ralph and moved to the U.S.A. with her husband.
After Ralph’s death, Ann moved back to Burlington with Andrea and taught there until her retirement.
After a few years as teenage sweethearts, Ann and Brian went their separate ways and after 38 years, reunited.
Ann’s love of gardening was displayed in the beautiful grounds around their home on Fairy Lake in Huntsville. She was accomplished in dressmaking and knitting. Friends and family enjoyed many of Ann’s gourmet meals throughout the years.
Ann’s love of skiing never diminished although it had to be curtailed at times due to ill health or the occasional broken bone. She and Brian travelled to test the slopes of Colorado, Utah, Italy, France, and Austria. They also enjoyed trips to Portugal, South America, and Slovenia, to visit family.
Ann will be missed by her many friends in Canada and the United States including the Probus Club and the Saturday morning coffee group in Huntsville.
She will always be remembered by her beautiful and welcoming smile.
Thank you for all your words of compassion.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation in Ann’s memory would be greatly appreciated.
Anne Davies says
My heartfelt condolences to all the family in your loss of Ann.
I grew up in Timmins, ON, (nee Pecjak) and knew both Rudy, Ann and her parents.
May she rest in peace in God’s loving hands.
Wendy McRae says
Ann was the best. I now enjoy reading because of Ann. We had the same taste in books so every book she loved and recommended I loved too. I so miss her book recommendations and I just miss her. I hope our spirits meet again one day. Love you forever and I will never forget you Ann. Xoxoxo.