Ann Marie Eaton

Ann Marie (Greer) Eaton was born April 17th, 1936, in Smiths Falls, ON. On January 10th, 2025, Ann made what she called her “Grand Departure” from life on Earth, on her own terms, surrounded by people she loved.

Ann was predeceased by her parents, Olive Mae (Redmond) Greer and David Raymond Greer, and her dear husband Jerry - Dr. Gerald D. Eaton.

 She is survived by and will always be remembered by: her children: David (Kelly), Leslie (Kevin), Jennifer (Sandy), and Peter (Wendy); eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

Ann grew up in rural central Ontario, then attended Kingston General Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in the Spring of 1957. It was in Kingston, ON that she met the love of her life, Jerry, who was attending Queen’s University Medical School. Ann and Jerry were married in Smiths Falls on October 5th, 1957. They spent 62 years together living life to the fullest, until Jerry’s passing in 2019. Their married life began in Flint, Michigan (where Jerry trained as a surgery resident) and then Espanola, ON (where Jerry was one of three doctors for the town). Their four children were born in Espanola. They enjoyed their time in “rainbow country” spending lots of time outdoors, including summers in rustic cottages on Lake Panache. In 1969, the mountains were calling, so they loaded up their young family in the station wagon and drove across the country to Calgary, AB. They settled into a home on Willamette Drive where the kids grew up and the whole family forged lifelong friendships. She found time to refresh her nursing certification, and then enjoyed her work helping other families at the YWCA, and later at the DAT Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

In the early 1980s, Ann and Jerry bought a small ski cabin in Canmore, AB on the banks of the Bow River. Upon retirement, they built a new home in the same spot and made the permanent move to Canmore. The family has many fond memories of holidays and gatherings in the ski cabin and its successor, the “fancy” log house, on the river. 

Ann and Jerry fully embraced Canmore and mountain life. They were avid hikers, skiers, bikers, snowshoers, and birders. They also enjoyed travelling the world together. They were active the Canmore community, making wonderful friends who joined them on many of their outdoor adventures and supported them as they aged. 

Ann was an intelligent and strong-willed woman, who forged a tremendous life for her family and herself. She was curious, adventurous, interested, and interesting. She was a great conversationalist, could turn on the charm, and had a cheeky sense of humour. She thrived on love for her family and dear friends. She also loved Books, Birds, Blooms, Bach, and a dram of Balvenie.

The family wishes to thank Ann’s team of compassionate caregivers (“Team Ann”). Their support and dedication allowed Ann to fulfill her wish to stay in her own home, despite her failing health. You truly are Angels. We are grateful to Dr. Hone, Dr. Badger, Claire, Laura, and entire team at Canmore General Hospital for providing the best possible care for Ann when she needed you most. 

A Celebration of Ann’s Life will be held in Canmore this Spring.