We Remember
SPELLISCY, Anne Kathleen
—
Anne was born on July 6, 1958, the 6th of 12 children born to Hal and Kae Spelliscy. She passed away on Remembrance Day, November 11, 2017, fitting for a woman who was a warrior to the end. Anne ended her 28-year battle with ALS on her own terms, passing away peacefully, at home. She is survived by her husband and fellow warrior, Lorne Brooks, who together kept the vow they made over 30 years ago, to love each other ‘in good times and in bad, in sickness, and in health’. Anne also leaves to celebrate her remarkable life, her greatest joy, her son, Keegan. The highlight of this last year for Anne was to be there to see Keegan marry the love of his life, Steph. Anne’s motto was “Live, Laugh, Love,” a motto born from her determination to keep giving to others despite the ongoing struggles she faced every day. Special thanks to Anne’s Angels; Phyllis, Shannon, Jo-Ann, Whitney, Sharon and Colleen and so many more who cared for Anne over the years.
A celebration of Anne’s life will take place this summer. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Charles Garnier, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, B.C. on Friday, November 17, 2017 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anne’s memory can be made to the Kelowna Women’s Shelter. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or to share a memory, please scroll down this page to the area called “share your condolences.”
Service
Friday, November 17, 2017 at 2 PM
Location
St. Charles Garnier
Anne was our hero – her courage and strength despite the hand dealt her in life has and will continue to inspire us all. She is the strongest person I have ever known – with Lorne a very close second.
Anne and Lorne
Anne – President of St. F. X. High School
I love that Anne’s obituary describes her as “a warrior to the end.” For those who had the privilege to meet, or know, her, and for the countless residents of Kelowna Women’s Shelter who received the beautiful “Live, Love, Laugh” bags she and her tireless volunteer team created, Anne was a warrior, indeed: Fighting tirelessly to support women and their children who’d experienced intimate partner violence and abuse, even while she was fighting for her life. It was always a delight to see her husband Lorne when he’d arrive at the Shelter, his truck loaded up with bags of goodies for the ladies, and he is in our hearts for his generosity and strength. Anne epitomized courage, and was an inspiration to many. On behalf of the entire staff and board of directors of Kelowna Women’s Shelter, please accept our condolences.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. It has been years since we have been able to see or speak to Anne. However the legendary stories passed on by her family regarding her determination, grit, kindness, compassion and desire to make the best of a horrible disease has been a true example to all who have known her. She was truly one of a kind and it has been an honour to say she is a relation. Out thoughts are with you all.
Our heartfelt condolences – Anne was one incredible lady. We loved the way she rolled as soon as we met her and she only made an even more powerful impression on us as life rolled on. She continues to inspire us now and show us how to live life to the fullest and handle adversity with grace. What a legacy she leaves us with.
Love and prayers from all the Hogles
I was one of Anne’s nurses from years past. I had the privilege of working with her & the honor of being her friend. She was an amazing woman & taught me so much about her nursing care & most of all….how to be a better human. She had a great sense of humor & we shared many laughs. Sincere condolences to Lorne, (you were a wonderful husband) & Keegan (the light of your Moms life & a great son). We who all knew & loved Anne will miss her terribly, but grateful I have my memories. Just the other day I was thinking about Anne’s upcoming Christmas letter, I enjoyed it every year. Fly free…..til we meet again.
Anne, Lorne and her team of nurses helped so many women and children at Kelowna Women’s Shelter through their gift of toiletry bags. Anne orchestrated the giving of thousands of bags to the shelter over the years – communicating with her caregivers through the use of facial expressions.
They wrote letters to suppliers and business who donated the products for Anne’s crew to package. Shampoo, tooth paste, hairbrushes and all the essentials someone would need who has fled their home with nothing.
Lorne delivered a truck full of bags every month or so as needed. Each person who stayed at the shelter received one of Anne’s ‘Live, Love Laugh’ bags as she called them. Everyone appreciated receiving the bags knowing that people in the community, that didn’t even know them, cared about them.
Anne inspired me, and I spoke of her courage, kindness and strength often. I always thought- if someone like Anne can changed people’s lives- we all can.
Bev and I are so very sorry for your family’s loss, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Anne was such an inspiring person and she will be missed by all who knew her. She leaves a rich legacy of courage and a shining example of the importance of caring for others. When we think about how many people’s lives are better because of Anne, we appreciate how fortunate our world is that she was able to share so many years with us. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to attend the funeral service this Friday but please let us know the time and place of the planned Celebration of Life in July.
The world is a much poorer place without Anne’s love, compassion and generosity. Doris and I feel honored and humbled to be members of a Clan that can proudly claim Anne as a true Scottish warrior. We offer our heartfelt sympathy to Lorne, Keegan and the entire Spelliscy family.
I’ve known ‘Annabelle’ since 1980, when we were Systems Engineers together at IBM. She was the strongest, kindest, and smartest person I knew. She never complained, although the past 28 years would have been unbearable for the majority of us. Husband Lorne (Saint Lorne) and her incredible nurses (the angels) were her lifeline to the world. Unbelievable strength and patience by all. Her son Keegan (born within a week of my daughter Paige), was the light of her life. Paige and I loved our annual weekend treks to Kelowna to stay at the Brooks Inn.
LIVE LAUGH LOVE was her motto. Whenever I was down, I thought of Annabelle and realized how grateful I am for my life. She was my hero. LYMI
My deepest condolences to the whole family. It is abundantly clear through these stories and the many other stories I have heard over the years about Anne, the pure strength she had and of her giving and compassionate nature.
Lorne, Keegan, Hal and all the family,
On behalf of all of us at Raymond James-Oram Spelliscy Family Wealth Management, our sincere condolences.
May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.
To Lorne, Keegan and the rest of the Spelliscy clan. Anne was always a bright light and inspiration to our family. I have too memories of Anne to list from our time at St.FX, then IBM, and of course me tagging on to family events. But mostly I remember her strength and honesty. Anne is missed already, and our hugs and prayers are with you all.
I worked for Anne many years ago and it was the best job I’ve ever had because it didn’t feel like a job. It felt like I was just hanging out with a friend. Anne was the most amazing person I’ve ever met and I feel so honored and privileged to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with Lorne, Keegan and her family.
Beautiful Anne. You were the true definition of beauty, love, strength, compassion, humour…everything good that a human could possibly possess. Blessed to have you in my life and call you my family. Lorne, Keegan and the Spelliscy clan, my prayers, love, kisses and hugs are sent your way. Continue to live, laugh and love…family is everything.
Dear Lorne, Keegan and theSpelliscy family,
My heartfelt condolence on the loss of Anne. She became a cherished friend of mine over the years. I will always remember her way to sign off her emails; Live Love Laugh. Her postivie attitude throughout her couregous fight is inspirational to everyone who knew her. I will miss her.
My thoughts and prayers are with Anne’s family.
Wendy Toyer, Executive Director ALS Society of BC
Lorne , Keegan and family
Anne was truly a warrior and an incredible woman. She had a strength that many of us only dream of. Lorne, Keegan and family -may all of your wonderful memories of such a special wife and mother help bring you peace at this time.
Margaret-Ann Gfeller
I am lucky enough to call Auntie Anne my godmother. Growing up I always admired her courage and strength, viewing her as the ultimate role model in my life. What is the most beautiful about my Auntie Anne is her need to help others, even when fighting her own battle. Her generosity and caring personality has effected so many people and because of this I ,and so many others, will miss her so much.
Anne has left a significant legacy of courage, compassion and inspiration.
Sincerest condolences to Lorne, Keegan and all her family. Anne spoke of you all with such love and generally with a twinkle in her eye! It was a privilege, as Anne’s first nurse many years ago, to spend such time with her. Her humanity, passion and strength will continue to influence us all.
i met Anne several times when she worked with my mom at Sears in Edmonton while she was at university, i was surprised to discover years later that my good friend Robin Brooks was her brother in law! i met Lorne Recently when i moved to Kelowna and that’s when i found out the amazing story of Anne! When the news came both my wife and I had a good cry! Her Bravery was an inspiration too many, and altho I never saw her in her years of struggle, her story always touched my wife and I. Rest in peace Anne
You will be dearly missed Auntie Anne, you embodied the true definition of a warrior and the love that you spread to us and to the community of Kelowna is both humbling and admirable. Your legacy will continue to inspire everyone who knew you. You will always be loved and remembered. Love, Dylan.
Anne. Your old Friend from Bonnie Doon, Sears. I will never forget you. I do not know why a wonderful Girl like you, had to suffer, such a horrible disase. I will remember the happy Universe Student, that always laugh, and always so helpful . I will think of you, that way. My deepest condolences to your Family
Anne and I went to high school together and later on reconnected via Facebook. She was a radiant person then and continued to be as her life and her disease progressed. I know she lived with grace and the gift of faith and a loving circle of family and friends. My prayers are with you all.
Dear Spelliscy Family,
We were saddened to learn of the loss of your beloved Anne. We have always been inspired by the Spelliscy family as a whole, and clearly Anne manisfested a great courage for many. Please know that our team at Sanctum holds you in thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. kindest regards, Kristoph <
Bill and I are sorry for your family’s loss. We have thought of Anne, Lorne and Keegan often over the last few weeks. Unbelievable strength, courage, patience and kindness describe all of them. We are so privileged to have had her as part of our family and with us so many more years than ever imagined. The impact Anne was able to have in spite of her limitations leaves a wonderful legacy. We are all so blessed because of Anne’s presence in our lives.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families.