LEGG, Annie May
October 14, 1920 - June 23, 2016
Annie, known as "Anne", left us on June 23. She was predeceased by her husband John, siblings Eva and Clara and her youngest daughter Jane. She will be fondly remembered by her brother Harry, children Barbara (Dwaine), Richard (Daphne), Jack (Ruby), Peggy (Wayne), 11 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
She was born in New Westminster, the 3rd daughter of Henry and Edith Cartmell. Her family called several places home as Henry worked at operating and building boats, and eventually captained the Rosedale-Agassiz Ferry on the Fraser River. She often recounted the challenges of these ever-changing dwellings, that included a company row-house on stilts at Harrison Mills, a home-made houseboat on Harrison Lake, and finally in a house on McGrath Rd. in Rosedale. This upbringing provided many unique experiences such as exploring in dugout canoes. She developed a lasting fondness for the local rivers - and their salmon. As a teenager during the depression years, she visited a friend, Ruby McQueen, at Ruby's parents' home on McElwee Rd., returning often to enjoy exploring the woods there. Then, at a wartime first aid class, she met John Clegg, whose family had purchased land to farm. By happenstance the Cleggs had purchased the McQueen property, so Anne had knowledge prior to John's of that particular forest. They were married in 1947, operating a dairy farm and raising 5 children at the McElwee Rd. location. They were both privileged to live out their days there, by the grace of nearby family. Anne was a keen inventor and a life-long reader who promoted literacy in her children, reading to them every day. While growing a large vegetable garden she still found time to grow flowering shrubs and perennials, but her greatest interest was in planting and maintaining trees. This flourished in her treasured multi-variety fruit orchard that stands to this day. She also possessed a marvelous musical talent, which she shared by serving as organist for church congregations in Rosedale, Chilliwack, and Agassiz, often biking to the Rosedale service. During our youth we enjoyed her clear alto voice as she sang while she worked. After turning 65, she obtained her driver's license, facilitating her wider participation in the community. She followed all the adventures of her offspring with great interest. Although a very quiet and private person, she was famous for her dry wit: when a grandson recently introduced his betrothed, she exclaimed to the young lady, "You should have known better!" The family wishes to express their particular gratitude to step-granddaughter Terisha Mitchell for her loving care of Anne during this last year. On July 9, at 3:00 PM, family and friends are invited to a memorial tea to be held at the farm. If desired, donations in Anne's name may be made to the Chilliwack Society for Community Living, 9353 Mary St., Chilliwack, BC V2P 4G9.