In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

 

Anne Margaret Pollard (King / née Ronald)

 

Wren Signalwoman, WRCNS

 

Born: 18 Jun 1924, Winnipeg, Manitoba

 

Died: 02 Apr 2012, Winnipeg, Manitoba

 

POLLARD, Anne Margaret (KING, née RONALD) - Peacefully and surrounded by family, Anne Pollard passed away at The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg on Monday April 2, 2012 following a lengthy illness. Anne will be forever remembered by her children Carol, Gregory, Catherine and Michael, grand-daughters Carrie, Catherine, Tammis and Gillian, and great-grandsons Jordan, Joseph, and Andrew Thomas.

 

Anne was predeceased by her first husband, Allan King, and her second husband, Douglas Pollard, and also leaves behind Doug’s sons David and Alan.

 

Born and educated in Winnipeg, Anne graduated from Gordon Bell High School and worked for several years at the Western Savings and Loan Association before enlisting in the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS-commonly called Wrens). Anne signed up at HMCS Chippawa in Winnipeg in May 1944, and started her naval training in Galt, Ontario and St. Hyacinthe, Quebec where she was trained as a Visual Signaler (V/S). Anne served as a Wren Signalman at HMCS Stadacona and HMCS Cornwallis where she met her first husband, Allan.

 

Following the War, Anne remained involved with the Navy, and was active until her final illness. Anne was a member of the Ex-Wrens Association Chippawa Branch, serving as President from 1959-1961. A member of the Navy League of Canada, Anne served as Treasurer of the Manitoba Division, and Liaison of the Wrenette Cadet Corps. Anne was also a member of the Naval Officers Association of Canada.

 

A long-time resident of Fort Garry, Anne went to work at the University of Manitoba in the Elizabeth Dafoe Library when her children reached school age. After a time, Anne moved on to work for the Government of Canada in the Department of Supply and Services until her retirement.

 

Anne’s love for history and literature was nourished by her membership in the Winnipeg Twenty Club, where she participated in research and presentations on women’s achievements in artistic and professional fields.

 

Anne had a lifelong passion for the performing arts. Beginning as a piano student in her youth, Anne continued to play into her adult years. Anne also enjoyed regular excursions to the opera, symphony, ballet and theatre.

 

Anne loved to travel. Although she delighted in trips to Europe, her favourite destination was the Lake of the Woods. Anne visited the lake almost every summer her entire life where, on one significant occasion in 1989 she met her second husband Douglas Pollard.

 

Our sincere thanks to the staff of the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, whose care and compassion made life as easy as possible for Anne in her final years.

 

A special thank you to Anne’s companions Diane and Linda whose kind hearts and warm friendship for Anne means so much to the family.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Naval Museum of Manitoba, 1 Navy Way, Winnipeg MB R3C 4J7.

 

Funeral services will be held at All Saints' Anglican Church at Broadway and Osborne at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, 2012.

 

As Anne wished, cremation has taken place. Private interment at Brookside Cemetery’s Field of Honour. 

 

Ships served in:

HMCS CHIPPAWA

HMCS ST HYACINTHE

HMCS STADACONA

HMCS CORNWALLIS

 


 

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