WINN, ANNE (Mousseau)

Born in Gogama, Ontario, December 2, 1925 to parents Elzeor Mousseau and Adeline Graveline. She was very versatile in organizing and raising money for their parish. She put on concerts, sang in the choir and put on shows. Moving to Sudbury at an early age, Anne secured work in the INCO mine laboratory during the war years. She then worked at Silverman’s in the men’s department as a cashier. Receiving an opportunity to work at a dentist’s office as his assistant, she stayed with him for a while. During this time she met her future husband to be, Wilfred Charles “Chuck” Winn. After a five year courtship she married him on February 4, 1956 in Wawa, Ontario, formerly known as Jamestown, Ontario. Returning to Sudbury she had her daughter, Tracy Ellen Mary Winn on June 13, 1957. She returned to work as a medical secretary assistant for a prominent doctor for fourteen years. She received her medical secretary’s assistant pin in a ceremony in London, Ontario, after studying hard for this honour. When Laurentian Hospital was being built in 1975, Anne was an integral part of setting up the floors, making sure the floors had everything they needed and in place, before the doors opened in 1976, then retiring in 1984. In younger years, she belonged to the Medical Secretaries Association, la ligue de la jeunesse feminine, Laurentian Hospital recreation committee, and the CWL of Christ the King Church. She owned a horse named ‘Toots’ and she met the soldiers at the train station in Gogama. She was very versatile in sports playing on different teams in Sudbury for hockey and baseball. One of her interests was following her nephew who became a men’s champion figure skater at age thirteen. She did judge some competitions at the Copper Cliff Skating club. She also was a fan of the Sudbury Wolves, following their games out of town. She was present when the Wolves won the Memorial Cup. Being a gifted organizer, leader, and decorator, she could decorate homes to large dance halls. She could decorate such events as the Physicians’ Balls, and the hospital with Christmas theme and for dances. Being a beautiful musician and learning to play by ear with a large family, she conquered the piano, organ, guitar, drums and spoons. She played at the Crystal Palace and the Pink Palace. She could step-dance without missing a beat, and was one of the best jivers around. She often reaped the compliments and accolades of the event being held. Anne had a very personable personality that reached and touched everyone she came in contact with. She lit up any room she entered. She made friends anywhere she went. Family and friends were very important to her, and the door was opened for anyone who knocked on it. She lived by the bible’s saying “I was thirsty; you gave me something to drink, I was hungry; you gave me something to eat, I was alone and you clothed me, I needed shelter and you gave me shelter.” Anne loved entertaining, and entertained many years with great house parties providing beds, food and drink. Her parties were elegant. She had a full, enriched life and she loved to live. Being a devout Roman Catholic, her faith sustained her in many troubled times, and guided her life’s journey, even at the end of her life. She loved to travel, and visited many places – Canada, USA, Florida, Hawaii, many tropical islands and cruises. She took the culture to heart, and loved the history of wherever she was. In her travels she met many dignitaries, actors, singers, governors and people of all walks of life. On one of her cruises she was crowned Queen of the Amsterdam Asburg – why was she chosen? The captain explained that she talked to everyone, no matter what their job was. She would help anyone she could. Her family and friends meant the world to her. Her daughter Tracy would like to thank the whole staff of Pine Place in Pioneer Manor. You gave my mother exceptional care and went beyond job expectations. Also to the visitors, residents and staff who gave me support and love in the loss of my mother, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Resting at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home 233 Larch St., Sudbury (Friends may call 2-4; 7-9pm Thursday and after 9am Friday.) Funeral Prayers in the R. J. Barnard Chapel Friday, February 28th, 2014 at 10am. Interment in the family plot at the Civic Memorial Cemetery. Donations to the Alzheimer Society, Heart & Stroke Foundation or Kidney Foundation would be appreciated.