Ann Toombs

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ann Toombs, who left us peacefully on August 30, 2025, just weeks before her 90th birthday.

Born in September, 1935, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Ann was the fourth child of Bence and Edith McIntyre. She had three brothers-twins Keith and Lea, and Donald-and she loved her big brothers dearly. From an early age, she was active, spirited, and full of life-an accomplished track and field athlete who won numerous competitions, and a young woman who was always ready to climb a tree or take on a challenge.

Ann met the love of her life, Garth Toombs, as a teenager in 1954, when he drove a group of youth leaders to a United Church conference. As family lore goes, she rode in the back seat on the way there and the front seat on the way home. They married in 1957 and began their life together in Regina.

Ann completed teachers’ college at just 19 years old and taught for several years before dedicating herself full-time to raising their family: Bruce, Mark, Paul, and later Kimberley (Kim), who arrived eight years after her brothers. After many years in southern Ontario, the family settled in Calgary in 1981, where Ann and Garth built a life of service, friendship, and community.

Spanning over three decades, Ann was passionately involved with the Canadian Cancer Society in both Ontario and Alberta. She served in many roles, including as an anti-smoking educator, education chair, and ultimately as President of the Alberta/Northwest Territories Division. A breast cancer survivor herself, Ann was also a gifted public speaker whose resilience and positive spirit left a lasting impression on audiences across Alberta and the NWT.

Ann’s life of service extended beyond the Cancer Society. Alongside Garth, she became an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Calgary, contributing to numerous international health projects. Their work took them to Central America, India, Pakistan, and repeatedly to Uganda, where they worked tirelessly to support the improvement of health and living conditions. She also partnered with Garth in his career consulting firm, first in administrative support and later as a career counselor, where she compassionately guided people navigating job loss.

In her 80s, she returned to a lifelong passion for singing, retraining her voice and delighting in the thought of performing once again. In earlier years, she sang, danced, and acted in the Rotary Club’s annual Christmas productions, taking the stage with comfort and grace. In 2020, she received the Rotary Award for Excellence in Service to Humanity, for exemplary humanitarian service.

In every part of her life, Ann radiated optimism, kindness, and humor. She had a quick wit, a generous spirit, and an enduring ability to see the best in people. She lived her life with resilience, warmth, and laughter. Ann embraced all friendships, advocacy, and creativity, leaving a legacy of love and strength that will be dearly missed.

Ann is predeceased by her beloved husband, Garth, in January 2025, and by her parents, Bence and Edith McIntyre. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Bruce Toombs (Nat Doyon), Mark Toombs (Lori Toombs), Paul Toombs (Mena Laberge), and Kim Toombs (Shane Calder); and by her six cherished grandchildren and their partners: Graham (Alex), Kayla (Nathan), Eric, Jasmine (Marek), Ash, and Wren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at St. David’s United Church, 3303 Capitol Hill NW, Calgary, Alberta. The service will be live streamed and may be accessed via the link- https://youtube.com/live/jYiehQOi8qc?feature=share  

Ann has been interred with her husband Garth at Queen's Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ann's memory may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, www.cancer.ca