Ann Boyd

Patricia Ann Boyd of Winnipeg passed away at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg on Monday, December 7, 2020 at the age of 70.

Ann was born on February 12, 1950 in Mrs. Tamblyn’s nursing home in Melita.  She became the elder daughter of Al and Dorothy Boyd’s two daughters when Beth was born three years later.  Ann’s childhood with her parents, Beth and extended family was a happy and full one.  Music played a very important part in her early years and Ann developed a love and appreciation for music that would last for the rest of her life.

Ann attended Pierson School from Grade 1 to Grade 11.  For Grade 12 and her “university entrance” classes, Ann bussed to the Melita Collegiate where she graduated in 1968.

Ann attended Brandon University and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971.  Once finished university she moved to Windsor, Ontario where she worked until 1974.  In 1974 Ann moved back to Manitoba, this time to Winnipeg to work and to further her schooling.  She resided in Winnipeg until 1979 when she moved back to Ontario, this time to Toronto.  During her time in Winnipeg, Ann graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (with Hons) from the University of Winnipeg.

While living in Toronto, Ann met Dennis Lenzin, a young criminal lawyer from Calgary.  They married May 10, 1986, settled in the Toronto area and spent many happy years together, enjoying plays, concerts, and movies, all the while collecting antiques and traveling.

Ann continued to study after she moved back to Ontario.  She received her Master of Arts in English (1980) and her doctorate at the University of Toronto (PhD English Literature, 1987).  While a student and then after graduation, Ann taught literature and communications, eventually retiring as a professor from Toronto’s Ryerson University.

Ann was very involved in her communities, volunteering and serving on boards and committees such as Big Sisters of Canada.  She was a keen Scottish Country Dancer and accomplished pianist, until balance problems and disability brought on by a brain hemorrhage in 1997 forced her to give up these hobbies that she loved.  She continued to love Celtic fiddle music along with many other genres.  Ann loved to read, compiling a huge collection of books.  She loved animals and had many dearly loved pets over her lifetime.  Her cat, Max, was her pride and joy and he will remain loved by Ann’s family.

In 2013, Ann and Dennis, who were living in Leamington, Ontario, divorced.  Ann moved first to Windsor and then, in 2015, moved back to Winnipeg to be closer to family.  These last few years Ann struggled with lessened mobility.  Despite this, Ann and her sister, Beth, enjoyed many sister holidays.  Trips to San Antonio, Chicago, Nashville and Vancouver to name a few, created special irreplaceable memories between the Boyd girls.

Although technology wasn’t Ann’s thing, she appreciated the opportunity it gave her to keep connected with her friends and family.  Facebook became her favourite form of communication to keep in touch with school friends from Pierson right up to friends and colleagues she met throughout her lifetime. 

Ann was devastated to lose her beloved parents, predeceased by her father, Allan in 1982 and her mother, Dorothy in 2008.  She cherished warm memories of a life well lived and rich with happy days.

Ann will be lovingly missed by her sister, Beth Allison (Gord) of Virden and her two nephews, Chris Allison (Jayden, Emmett, and Paige) and Greg (Claire) Allison (daughter, Sarah), special friend/cousin Bonnie Woods and many other cousins.

Ann will be buried in the Pierson Cemetery in the spring of 2021 beside her parents.  Rest in peace, Ann.

Donations in memory of Ann may be sent to the Pierson Cemetery Fund, Box 100 Pierson, MB R0M 1S0 or to Diabetes Canada, 1 Wesley Ave Suite 401, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4C6

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