Ann Louise Blomberg passed away peacefully at Georgian Bay General Hospital in Midland, Ont., surrounded by the love and support of her family on Feb. 28, 2025, after battling cancer for two years.
Ann is lovingly remembered by her husband, Owen Harries, her two children Gregory (Kate) and Gillian (Thomas), sister Patricia (Darryl), brother Andrew (Sandra), and her mother Sara Blomberg. She was predeceased by her father, Ryk (Richard) Blomberg.
Ann graduated from Queen’s University with a bachelor of nursing degree in 1982. She worked in Edmonton as an registered nurse in 1982, but soon realized that she was ready for another challenge. She attended McMaster medical school from 1983 to 1986 and completed a family practice internship and residency at McMaster from 1986 to 1988.
She worked at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health from 1988 until retirement in May 2022. She specialized in geriatric psychiatry and dual diagnosis (developmentally delayed).
Ann’s proudest accomplishment was raising Greg and Gillian, which was, in her words, “a humbling experience.” As a mother, she encouraged sports and music and a love of the outdoors.
She loved being in nature and endeavoured to go outdoors as often as she could. Her favourite place was Awenda Provincial Park, where she has fond memories of camping with friends, and hiking and cross-country skiing with Nancy Hargrave.
She was an accomplished classical pianist. She took up piano lessons again in her 50s to learn different genres of music such as jazz and Latin. To overcome performance anxiety, she performed in recitals and at the Midland Music Festival.
Ann had a strong Christian faith. She was loved and supported by her friends in faith and Knox Church Midland family. Her verse to live by was from Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."
She loved to travel and learn the history of new places. She was especially close to Mary and Stephen Barber, with whom she and Owen went on many ski trips as well as trips to Italy, France, Costa Rica, and Vancouver Island for her retirement.
She would like to thank the many friends and family who brought food for her and Owen, drove her to appointments, prayed, sent flowers, and cleaned the house. You know who you are!
The family would like to thank Dr. Sara Rask of the Hudson Regional Cancer Program for her excellent collaborative care, Dr. Laura Macrae, and palliative nurse Kirsten Holland.
The family requests that any donations be given to one of the following organizations that were important to Ann: The Canadian Cancer Society, Knox Presbyterian Church Midland, the Hudson Regional Cancer Centre in Barrie, Ont., and Georgian Bay General Hospital in Midland.