Farewell Ann - a life well lived

It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of one of our GLBC members and a dear friend to many.  Ann Kynaston passed away at home surrounded by her large and loving family on 6 January 2022.

Ann was an iconic 'little Aussie battler'. She faced the fight of her life over the last four years with positivity, humour and mettle. Following her cancer diagnosis (a mere 6 weeks after retiring), she underwent successive treatments in her determination to live her life to the fullest. She concurrently braved the November 2020 bushfires, the 2021 floods and then of course, the harrowing COVID pandemic during which isolation (at home and in hospital) was essential.

And all of this with a smile.

Born in Newcastle on 28 August 1950, she was married to Des for 54 years and is survived by four children, and countless grand- and great grand-children. Ann and Des lived and worked in Newcastle, rural NSW, Tasmania and Canberra, finally moving to their hobby farm at nearby Rainbow Flat several years ago.

Ann was generous and kind, she loved chatting to people and hearing their stories. She was also very active and happiest when she was busy. She enjoyed baking delicious cakes and pastries (which we often appreciated on bridge afternoons). Crocheting and making doll's clothes became a fulfilling pastime recently - in the hours she had to be still (an unusual state for Ann!). Her baby goats were a constant pride and joy. And of course, she thoroughly enjoyed competitive card games and bridge!

Ann expressly wished to be remembered not with sadness but with joy and a smile. Although she will be missed by those who loved her, for those who knew her this will not be an arduous task.