ANNE LORRAINE REES (nee KENT)

September 28, 2025

Anne Lorraine Rees (née Kent) of Kincardine died Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, peacefully, surrounded by her family, at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre in Kincardine, at the age of 78. She cherished time outdoors, tending her beloved gardens filled with a vibrant variety of blooms. Songbirds provided her a daily soundtrack, their cheerful calls accompanying the planting of every fern, flower, and forget-me-not. A knowing smile often lit her face when a cardinal sang its bright cheer, cheer, cheer — as though they shared a secret. Beyond the garden, she found peace by the water — whether in the salty breeze of childhood summers in Colliers, Newfoundland, the haunting call of loons across Northern Ontario’s still lakes, or the steady, soothing roar of Lake Huron. Each place offered her renewal and joy. But her greatest happiness came from time with her family. She poured her heart into creating a warm, welcoming home, especially during the holidays, when she transformed each season into something memorable and magical. Christmas was her crown jewel. Her home brimmed with decorations and ornaments, each carrying its own story. The harshest storm could never chill the warmth of a house filled with carols, the heavy aroma of baked goods, and a Christmas tree so grand and lavishly adorned that it became legendary among family, friends, and even the occasional passerby lucky enough to glimpse it. Her children and grandchildren will forever remember not only the beauty she created but also the joy, love, and togetherness that came with it. Anne was the devoted mother of Scott (Ange), Ramona, and Kent (Carole). Beloved grandmother of Madeleine, Austin, Jenna, Trent, and Avery; cherished great-grandmother of Mynden, Mazley, Morrow, Ozzie, and Tanner; and caring aunt of Wanda, Patrina, Mike, Johnny, Danny, Michelle, Tracy, David, Chrissy, Jordan, Kyle, Terry, Cory, Amanda, and Sherri. In her final years, Anne was lovingly cared for by her husband, Cyril, and daughter Ramona. Their devotion allowed her to remain at home despite the challenges of cancer and the long decline of dementia. Ramona, in particular, provided constant and selfless care, a lasting testament to her love for her mother. Anne will be dearly missed by her sister and friend, Madonna Fredette (Jean); her brothers-in-law, Lance, Fraser, and Wayne; and her sister-in-law, Pam. She leaves to mourn, her husband and love of her life, Cyril Gordon Rees, whom she met at the Vocational School of Bell Island at the age of 18. Anne was predeceased by her mother, Rita Marshal; her father, Joseph Kent; her stepfather, Doug Marshall; her sister, Deb Smith; her brother-in-law, Norman “Butch” Rees; and her sisters-in-law, Dallas Laroque, Carol Rees, Dorothy Rees, and Connie Rees. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Aunt Donna for her compassion, constant presence, and professional expertise during Anne’s final week. Deep gratitude is also given to Dr. Jason Murray and the nurses and staff at the Kincardine Hospital for their kindness and attentive care, especially palliative nurse Jenna whose limitless compassion made Anne’s final day as comfortable as possible. Visitation will be held at the Davey Linklater Funeral Home in Kincardine, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, from 12-2 p.m., followed by a service and a time of fellowship in remembrance of Anne. In honour of her love of all things that bloom, guests are encouraged to bring a single flower to place in a commemorative vase at the funeral home. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation, and Huron Shores Hospice, would be gratefully appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences on-line at www.daveylinklaterfuneralhome.com.