Obituary of Anastasia Lumsden

It is with profound sorrow and love that we, the family of Anastasia (Anne) née Grant Lumsden announce her passing on Tuesday Feb 8th, 2022. Her journey post diagnosis was short yet dignified and she made the most of every single moment. Anne died at home surrounded by family and friends. Survived by her soulmate, best friend and lifelong love of 43 years, David Lumsden. A marriage and life together that was admired by many, especially their children Ryan (Laura) Coldbrook, and Adele (Tommy Budge), New Glasgow and her 5 beautiful grandchildren Sloan, Blake & Cole Lumsden and Noelle & Grant Budge. Loving brother Joe (Karen) Lismore and devoted sisters Mary Penner (Windsor) and Elaine (David) Sponagle Thorburn and many treasured nieces and nephews. Born on October 3rd, 1956, in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia and raised in Thorburn. She was the youngest of 6 kids and took every advantage afforded to her as the apple of everyone’s eye. Never one to miss out on an adventure (or at least the prospect of one) Anne was often in trouble but rarely caught. She remembered every detail of her young life and loved to tell us stories about her mother (Grammie Grant). There were various versions of hiding behind the stove with her hand in a bowl of sugar, her favorite. A whiz in the kitchen and famous for never having a recipe, she loved to entertain and no matter what was in the cupboards the food was always amazing. A section of the kitchen named “Nanny’s Café” was where sweets, treats and love were served to the grandkids, her pride and joy. We are so grateful to have had the memories of celebrations, road trips and family vacations which were always put into motion by Mom. Road trips would always involve good food, entertainment and a little bit of shopping. Anne loved being around people. Working as a hair stylist for over 35 years meant her clients became her very close friends. An active volunteer for many years, Anne was a past member of the Kinette Club of New Glasgow and the 1st president of the CWL at St. Gregory’s and proudly served on the board of Summer Street Industries and Tearmann House. While living in India she chaired a fundraiser “Blankets for Babies” which raised money to provide blankets for newborns in and around the City of Chennai. Anne and Dave were fortunate to have travelled the world together and brought home many treasures, photos, videos and stories. A family favorite was of course the camel incident – a video that so perfectly sums up Anne getting into one of her “situations”. She didn’t like bobby pins, the feel of flour on her hands, visible Kleenex boxes, food that didn’t have a minimum 25% sugar content and dismissed any color outside of the neutral theme. A love for decorating and design meant she was always available to provide advice to friends and family through their renovations. Anne couldn’t name a single song but loved to dance and attend a great concert. She didn’t need expensive name brands or anything fancy but always looked fabulous. She had a love for clothes and could pull together an outfit in a matter of minutes. Never talked about it, but quietly performed grand acts of kindness. Even through her illness her focus was on her family and making sure they were going to be okay. She was preceded in death by her youngest child Blake, a loss like no other; yet managed with grace. Her mother Mary (MacIsaac) Grant, brothers Angus and Danny Grant, her father Michael Grant, brothers in law Jerome Lumsden, Alex Penner and nephew Michael Grant. We would like to thank all our friends and family who have supported us through the last year. We would also like to thank all the medical staff involved throughout Anne’s illness - the VON, palliative care team in New Glasgow especially Dr Kwasnik, Dr Farrell and Debbie Williams, the oncology department at the QEII Halifax. A special thank you to our family doctor Dr. Bashar Jazrawi, we are truly thankful for your care and compassion. Anne we’re not sure who will greet you first when you get to your destination, but we already know it will be wonderful. We’ll miss you terribly, more than words can say – gone much too soon but the memories and laughs will last forever. XOXO Due to COVID restrictions the family will hold a private celebration of Annes’ life. There will be no visitation at this time. A burial service will be held at a later date with family and friends. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Palliative Home Care of New Glasgow or Chalice International Bedford. www.angusfuneralhomes.com