Ann passed away peacefully in her 89^th year in Vernon, B.C.  She was predeceased by her husband Hans, her father Major George P. Cowan (killed in action in Italy, 1944), mother Grace Dansey, stepfather Captain C.W. “Jotty” Dansey, sisters Gail, Patricia and Bonnie, brother Bill Dansey and cousins Michael “Mickey” Kinloch (“on my father’s side”) and Stuart “Nipper” Riddell (“on my mother’s side”) who were like brothers to her.

She is survived by her children Joanna (Hugh), Steve (Mary), Bruce, Dana and Bob (Keylea), grandchildren Emma and Fraser Hamilton and Brandon and Jordan Rainer and by relatives in Canada, the U.S.A., and New Zealand.  Deeply devoted to her family and friends, we will remember her love of good food, music, gardens and dogs and, especially, her kindness.   Her wit and sense of humour kept us laughing till the end.

Ann was born in Vancouver and attended several schools through her childhood including a school for girls that is now the Naramata Inn in Naramata, B.C.  She trained as a nurse at St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver and worked as a Registered Nurse in Kamloops, San Francisco and Vancouver.   The ultimate caregiver, she cared for her mother, husband Hans and sister Gail during their last years and days.

In 1958, her cousin Nipper invited her and cousins Mickey and his sister Caroline, “Pidge” Kinloch to sail around the world on a 60-foot sailboat, the “Romayne”.  This voyage proved to be one of the defining experiences of Ann’s life and the lives of the entire crew.  While berthed in Sausalito, California for the winter, Mickey invited his friend Hans Rainer to join them.  After sailing across the South Pacific, Ann and Hans were married in Auckland, New Zealand, December 1959, before returning to Canada to raise five children in Barriere, B.C.

Ann’s family is grateful for the care she received from Vernon Community Care Services, staff of the Victorian Retirement Residence and the exemplary care provided by her physician Dr. Ken Perrier and the staff of Hearthstone Manor.

A celebration of life will take place in Vernon on Saturday, September 23, 2023, with details to follow.  Donations in memory of Ann may be made to the medical equipment loan service, Canadian Red Cross, 2719 44^th Avenue, Vernon, B. C.  V1T 8E9, “HELP” in memo line.  Online condolences can be left at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com

“I love you, a bushel and a peck”