Obituary of ANITA CHRISTINE ANDREW

It is with deep sadness, but full hearts, that we announce the peaceful passing of Anita Christine Andrew (née Crawford-Jones) aged 78, on October 5, 2024, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Born in Liverpool, England, on September 17, 1946, Anita lived a full and meaningful life, marked by dedication to her family, her students, and her community.

Anita is lovingly remembered by her three children: Rachael (Dan), Naomi (Don), and Vincent; her grandchildren: Alex, Aidan, Luke, Nina, and Charlotte; her sister, Margrette Speers; and her niece and nephews: Craig, Ryan, and Rebekah and her lifelong friend Ann Ryan and her many nieces and nephews in the UK. She was predeceased by her mother, Eleanor Crawford.

Anita grew up in post-war England as the first part of the Boomer Generation. Growing up a proud Liverpudlian in the 1960’s, Anita loved music and would often share how she had met The Beatles and The Rolling Stones before they were famous.

In 1968, Anita immigrated to Canada and would face the challenges of starting life in a new country head on. She was proud to have led the Charleswood girls’ soccer team to four consecutive Canadian National Championships and was actively involved in coaching track and field out of Max Bell Centre. Anita was awarded the Order of Sports Excellence from the Province of Manitoba for her achievements in coaching.

While working as an educational assistant at Westdale Junior High, and facing her first battle with cancer, she would attend the University of Manitoba and earn a Degree in Education at the age of 50.  Anita would start her teaching career at Jack River School in Norway House and would then go on to spend the next 20 years at St. Maurice School.  St. Maurice was more than just a place of work for her, it was her second family.  She could always be found helping out after school, planning graduation ceremonies and cheering on the Patriots.  She made many wonderful and supportive friends who continued to look after each other and their students long after they had moved on.

Her thirst for knowledge was boundless—Anita was a voracious reader with an encyclopedic knowledge of facts and world history. Family and friends alike would often say, “Ask Anita, she’ll know.”   Anita will be remembered for her independence, sharp wit and keen humour. 

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Brightwater Care Home and The Waverley, and to her dear friends Carrie Zagula, Rosanna Costanzo, Susan Sosnowski, Brenda Grieve, and Veronica Tralic for their love and support.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 12, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Vital Parish, followed by a Celebration of Life at St. Maurice School Gymnasium at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anita’s memory may be made to Ross Brook House.

Anita’s life was a remarkable journey of strength, resilience, and kindness. She asked to be remembered not with sadness for her passing, but for the love and positive impact she shared with everyone she knew.

"You’ll Never Walk Alone."