Obituary of Annie Perry

Perry, "Nan" Annie Gray (nee: Evans) - Peacefully at the Brantford General Hospital on Thursday, May 6th, 2010 in her 90th year. Beloved wife of the late Markwell (2009). Loving daughter of the late Isabelle Wishart and Enoch Evans. Survived by her daughter, Laurene Winkler, son, Douglas Perry and grandchildren Dante, Markwell, Kathryn, and Evelyne. She had been hospitalized for sometime under the watchful care of Dr. John Hadley. A passionate volunteer for the Brantford Music Club for over half a century, Nan served a total of ten years in 3 terms as President and served in other offices as treasurer, secretary, historian, group leader. She headed the piano fund drive for the concert grand piano for the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts. During a second term as president in 1962, the 60th anniversary of the Brant Music Club, Nan was the driving force resulting in a grandiose year of celebrations. One highlight being the commissioning by the Brant Music Club of an original composition by Canadian composer Harry Freedman for the world premier presentation in Brantford by the Hart House String Orchestra, and a Gala Dinner with Sir Ernest MacMillan as guest speaker. Nan was devoted to her membership at Colborne Street (later Heritage) United Church where she treasured her relationship with the church family, the choirs, and especially the children and youth choirs. Worship services were often treated to an organ and piano duet, many selections original compositions by Nan, performed with her musician husband Mark. A charter member since its formation in 1946, she was an active member of the Ontario Registered Teachers Association and served a term on provincial council. She taught piano and theory privately, many of her students have thriving careers as professional musicians. She spent her last two years with Markwell in residence at Tranquility Place. At Nan's request cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at the Beckett-Glaves Family Funeral Centre, 88 Brant Avenue on Tuesday, June 8th at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Brantford Music Club or Heritage United Church would be appreciated. A tree will be planted in memory of Nan in the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest.