July 1, 1938 – March 31, 2012
at the age of 73 years
Celebration of life: To be held at a later date
The family of Ann Christina Castle (nee Gouthro) sadly announces that she passed away March 31 2012 in Salmon Arm at the age of 73. Ann is well remembered for her strong independent nature, and her love of opera and music in general.
She was pre-deceased by her mother Ann, and by her beloved and loving husband Fred. Ann is survived by her four children, Stephen, Catharine, David and Richard and their families as well as her sister Leona and her family.
The four children wish to express their immense gratitude to all of Ann’s friends and neighbours locally who have for many years helped her with her battle for independence against the odds.
A service will be planned in the future, as schedules are arranged.
Donations to the MS Society and the Alzheimer’s Society in her memory would be appropriate as these diseases directly and indirectly were her greatest external foes.
I have cherished Ann’s friendship for so many years, beginning with the University of Alberta Mixed Chorus, continuing with Da Camera Singers, and since moving to Vernon on 1981, and spending time with both her and Fred at Blind Bay. There is a great photograph of my husband John and Fred and I installing the canopy above their bed, achieved with much hilarity. I am devastated to discover the news of her death, which I found out after trying to place a Christmas phone call, and thus beginning a search which pulled up this site. I so admired her, and will have as my memory of her our weekends of endless talk and reminiscences. She, the one in the wheel chair, was the one who demonstrated endless indefatigability and great glee at how she could manage her life, organize trips, stock her wine cellar, and attend the opera, and speak freely about her dear Fred. God be with you, my dear. I plan to go to Blind Bay and pay my respects at the house site in her memory.
We were sorry to hear of your loss, and would like to express our condolences, especially to Leona and her family. Annette and Owen Isaacson
We’d like to express our condolences to the family, and especially to Leona and her family. I have a dear sister and know how big a loss that would be. Annette and Owen Isaacson
I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Ann about 4 years ago, and became her taxi driver and her friend, not in that order. She introduced me to opera, and we attended many at the Shuswap Theatre in Salmon Arm. She made me appreciate my freedom to move around and her spirit of ‘ I can do anything I want’ inspired everyone around her. Many of my friends were blown away by her joy in living, and ability to live alone. We spent 2 weeks together during the Notch Hill fire, when I was evacuated, and she invited me to stay with her, with my two cats, and she doesn’t even like cats….amazing woman, I think about her every day.
Our condolences to all of Ann’s family and especially to Leona, her sister and our dear friend. We would love to have you contact us.
Debbie and I met Ann on February 16th, she was staying at the Holiday Inn in Salmon Arm as there was a gas leak in her home. We are Victim Service support staff and went to see if there was anything we could help her with. She was an incredibly gracious lady, we bought her lunch and spent a few hours with her, and we really enjoyed spending that time with her. Her positive outlook on life is to be admired and we were honoured to meet her.
Leona — I was so sorry to hear of the death of your sister. She sounded like a wonderful and interesting person, and so musical — a gift to be sure.
My condolencs to you and the rest of the family.
Love, Mary
It is difficult to recount all the special memories that relate to our friendship with Ann and Fred. We were lucky enough to have nearly a lifetime of shared activities and interests, initially as youthful friends and then in music and other wonderful social activities. Throughout the years the mutual love and respect Ann and Fred shared shone always and it was fun to see these two interacting. They spread their love and fun in life to all of us. Ann’s declining years due to her physical disabilities are a marvel, in that one would hardly know that Ann was ill, except to watch her. She tried to, and in our opinion, did live life to her fullest, and always with optimism and a smile. We enjoyed her company as much as we did when we could share more active activities with the two of them.
Many around Ann will, knowingly or otherwise, have absorbed the energy and dynamism of her spirit even in the face of severe physical restrictions that would have stopped most people. Thus, she leaves us all the better and with stronger spirit and love of life. God Bless Ann and her memory.
Our condolensces to the family and friends in this sad time.
Many years ago we sang together in the Da Camera singers. I am so sorry to learn of her passing. She loved music and performed it with passion. She will be missed. It is my prayer that the comfort which comes alone from above will sustain you through these sad hours and the future. God Bless !
To Stephen,Catherine,David and Richard prayers and condolences from Eddie and Carole Turner. Remember we used to be backdoor neighbours!! We spoke with Anne at Fred’s Service and a few times after. Anne always met adversity with a smile and always found a way to enjoy life. I’ll let my kids know of the sad news.
Castle Children,
I work at the Edmonton Journal, and your Father was my greatest mentor. He always referred to your Mother as “my beautiful wife”. I can picture her coming downstairs in the Journal Building to Fred’s office, often with some of you in tow; in her long fur coat. She was the picture of grace and strength.
When I heard that Fred was ill, I sent a card, and your Mother took the time to send me a lovely, handwritten letter. Such a gracious lady.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Ann was always so cheerful and fiercely independant…despite being in a wheelchair…she always had a kind word when we would meet..We extend our deepest and sincerest sympathies to her family and friends. You have now joined your beloved husband Ann…Rest in Peace
We will remember Ann for her keen mind, love of opera and her strength and determination. She made us believe she could win her battle. Goodbye, Ann.
Few of us would have the courage to live as Ann did – so fiercely independent, in spite of the difficulties, in her own home and on her own terms. We extend our sympathy to her family and friends.