With heavy hearts, the family of Anna (Ann) Mary Sapsford announce her passing on April 5, 2022 at the age of 89. Ann was the oldest daughter born to Carl and Frieda Petersen July 20, 1932. She was born prematurely at home, weighing under 3 pounds. She used to tell the story of being wrapped in blankets and put in a roasting pan on the door of the wood stove turned on just to keep warm. By the time she was finished her schooling she had stretched out, and much to her disgust acquired the nickname “Beanpole”. Ann attended school at Lizard Lake and Kensmith. Her parents farmed in several locations north of Biggar before moving to the farm now lived on by Lillian and the late Elmer Dove.
Ann married the love of her life, Vernon Sapsford in July 29, 1955 at Third Ave United Church in Biggar. Vernon and Ann operated a mixed farm east of Biggar. It was like its own little community with cousin Jim, Margy Sapsford and family to the west, brother Cliff, Helen and family straight north on the other side of Highway 14 and sister Marj, John Strate and family to the east. At one time Vernon and Bob Lewis loosely farmed together, and Bob, Dot and family lived just east of Strates. The Jack McTurk family was also important in the life of Vernon and Ann. Many holidays and special occasions were celebrated with all the Sapsford and Strates gathered for food and fun. Bun throwing and plate stealing was a favourite family past time. There were 12 Sapsford and 1 Strate cousins riding the school bus to Biggar, and that led to its own jokes about which one was your parents. Ann was involved in the activities of her children, Catherwood 4-H Beef Club and Sonningdale 4-H Horse Club. She was the secretary – treasurer of the District #23 4-H for many years, running the large district beef and horse rallies that was the highlight of the year. She attended public speaking, all sports and school events, never missing her children’s activities. Her pride and joy was her baking, for which she won numerous ribbons over the years at the Perdue Agricultural Fair. Ann attributed some of her interest in baking to the fact her dad had been a baker in Copenhagen, Denmark before coming to Saskatchewan as a farm laborer in 1924.
Ann was a dedicated exhibitor making her delicious pies, bread, cinnamon buns, jams and entering all the sheaves and flower arranging classes. She would bake all night before the fair entries needed to make it to Perdue. Then the trip with a loaded vehicle, and it wasn’t unusual to arrive right around the deadline. Her kids and grandkids relished eating all the goodies.
Ann played lead on the family curling team with her three daughters through many years, and many bonspiels. She also became a ferocious bowler winning many tournaments. Ann loved watching the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Ann started working for Oyen flowers when they opened a business in Biggar, working with Sandra Poitras. When that closed, she decided to open a flower shop in 1982 with her daughter Karen in the former Red & White store where the Biggar Museum is now. The flower shop was her calling in life, and she loved all the customers who became friends over her many years. It was nothing for her to work 7 days a week. Mothers Day meant pulling an all nighter. She made deliveries all over Saskatchewan and to many locations in Alberta much to the delight of her customers and never charged for delivery. Over the years, Designs by Ann moved onto Main Street to half the former Hock & Packers Building and then to its current location in the historic CIBC building across from the Post Office. Ann worked at Designs by Ann until she went into the Biggar District Long Term Care Facility at the age of 88. Ann will be sadly missed by all her friends.
Left to mourn her passing are her daughters, Karen (Tim) Liska and their children Jasmine (Mark) of Saskatoon, Levi, Virginia(Bill) Peters and their daughter Tiffany, Paige (Marcel) Jalbert and their children, Regan (Michael) Alford and their daughter Kaelyn, of Wellington, Nova Scotia, Elan (Wayne) Noga and their sons, Reid and Tate of Brooks, Alberta. Also survived by sister-in-laws, Helen Sapsford of Vermilion, Alberta and Peggy Petersen of Salmon Arm, B. C. Also numerous nieces and nephews, Don (Marylee) Sapsford and family , Ken (Joy) Sapsford and family, Lois Sapsford (Bruce Barker), Bonnie (Steve) Danderfer and family, Chuck (Lynn) Strate and family and Chris (Jennifer) Petersen and family of Campbell River, B. C.
Ann was predeased by her husband, Vernon, her son, Carl, grandson, Jesse Liska, parents, Carl Petersen, Frieda Petersen, parents-in-law Charlie and Ella Sapsford, sister Elsie Petersen Lockett and brother Eric Petersen, in-laws Cliff Sapsford, Marj and John Strate and cousins Rick, Jim and Bill Sapsford.
The family has requested donations to STAR’S Air Ambulance, Nutrien Hanger 2475 Airport Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7L 7L1.
A private Celebration of Life for Ann will be held at a later date.
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