Obituary of Anne Courtney Disher
Anne Courtney Disher (Harrington) left us peacefully on April 28, 2024, in her home at Simms Court, Parkland's Tucker Hall, Saint John.
Mom entered the world early on April 9, 1929, in Port Credit, Ontario, the daughter of Stan and Anne (Courtney) Harrington. She moved to Rothesay at age six and planted deep roots in New Brunswick. She graduated from Netherwood, Kings College, and U of T, and pursued a career in Social Work. She was a lady of firsts including; first girl to perform in an RCS play, first psychiatric social worker at the provincial hospital, first female board chairperson of the Saint John Boys' and Girls' Club, and a founding member of its Endowment Fund. Her volunteerism with the club led to numerous accolades including the Order of the Master Builders; a Paul Harris Fellowship and a Silver Keystone Award, the highest honour the Boys' & Girls' Club of Canada bestows.
Mom married our Dad, John RW (Jack) Disher in 1952 and together they raised four children; Pamela (Mark, deceased) Meier, Bryan (Mary), Margo (Walter) Emrich, and Jacquie (Craig) McCalman. They had 63 fulfilling years together until Dad's death in 2015.
Mom started her almost nine year journey without Dad by moving to Parkland Saint John. There she transitioned from Independent to Long-term Care, moving to Simms Court just as the world shut down in 2020. We would like to express our gratitude to the staff at Parkland for taking care of Mom and us through her many changes in health. We hold a special place in our hearts for Lori Gilliland who helped Mom "sun worship" through her final years.
Besides her children, Mom leaves behind her grandchildren Matthew (Shannon Hodder), Megan and Maggie (Steve Tober) Meier; Courtney (Luc Perreault), Julie and Monica Disher; Katie, Teri (Aaron LeFort) and Andi (Greg Jongsma) Emrich and Jacob, Abigail, Will, Drew, Joey and Sam McCalman. Also, her great-grands Lucas and Lily Meier; Hayden and Lily Tober; Alex Perreault; Jack, Henry and Annie Harmon; Rory, Eloise and Rhys LeFort; Wallace and Millie Jongsma.
Long ago Mom left instructions requesting no visitation, and a private burial with her immediate family, followed by dinner at the Rossmount Inn, her and Dad's favourite. Know that we will raise our glasses, Mom, and hope that you and Dad will raise yours in return as you have cocktails together once more.
For those who wish, donations can be made to the Boys' & Girls' Club of Saint John, Inc., or to the charity of one's choice.
