It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected death of a wonderful and talented woman, Anne Axworthy.

Anne was married to her best friend and closest ally, the late Bill Wilson, for over 30 years. She was the daughter of the late Gerald and Ella Axworthy. She leaves behind her stepchildren Scott (Joslyn) and Julie, her grandchildren Spencer (Sam), Hunter and Skye as well as her brothers Wray (Lisa) and Glynn. Anne will also be lovingly remembered by her closest friend, Trish Grierson. She will be truly missed by her many friends and family members.

Anne was born in Brantford, Ontario where she lived and grew up with her parents and brothers. She often shared memories of her childhood especially those involving helping out during the summer at her parents’ food truck at the beach.

After graduating from university, Anne worked as a nurse in a hospital and provided overnight nursing care in patients’ homes. She moved to Ottawa where she continued nursing in patients’ homes while studying to attain a Political Science degree from Carleton University. This led to an appointment as a Communications Advisor in the federal government. She founded the Ladies Quarterback Club of the Ottawa Rough Riders and she offered crisis counselling at the Ottawa Distress Centre. She also did some clowning for birthday parties and other special events.

However, Anne’s true passion was always singing and music. Even as a child, she could be heard singing around the house and in various choral groups. When she moved to Ottawa, she discovered a piano bar downtown which she frequented most Friday nights to sing her favourite “party songs”. A while later, she was introduced to Orpheus Choral Group (later Voices in Harmony) and sang with them before venturing into the role of Director – a position she held for more than 30 years and right up until the group disbanded as a result of the pandemic.

Anne took on the director role with various other groups including Ladies of the Day and Crosstown Harmony – both women’s barbershop ensembles. She also sang barbershop with the Capital Chordettes both as a performer and as part of a number of quartets. From 1994-1998 she and Bill co-directed the Ottawa-Carleton Police Chorus – a gig that culminated in a 13 day concert tour of Germany.

Annes’s love of barbershop singing took her to many international competitions both as a singer and as an observer. On a personal trip to Dallas, Texas in 2023 to visit rehearsals of the world renowned men’s barbershop chorus Vocal Majority, she was invited to direct the chorus in a song. That was an honour she was truly proud of.

A Celebration of Anne’s life will be held on Saturday, October 24 at Tubman’s Garden Chapel, 3440 Richmond Road at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Food Bank – a charity to which Anne generously gave annually.