Tribute

Anne was born in King Daughters Hospital in Duncan, BC and raised in Lake Cowichan, BC where her father ran Tiesu’s Store.  Following high school, Anne attended the University of Victoria and trained as a teacher.  Her first teaching position was in Surrey, BC and then she returned to Lake Cowichan and took a position at J.H. Boyd School.  In 1965 she met her husband Cst. Thomas F. Earl and they married April 9, 1966.  They purchased their first home in Ladysmith and this is where their daughter Dana was born 4 years later.  In 1970, they moved to Surrey, BC where their son Darren was born a year later.  Anne spent the next five years raising her family. 

Anne and Tom moved to Sayward in 1976, 100 Mile House in 1978 and Lytton in 1980 where she taught at the respective elementary schools.  Shawnigan Lake was their destination in 1982 where Anne found work at the Mill Bay Yarn shop, the Dutch Deli and Dickie’s Insurance in Duncan before accepting a position at Bench Rd. Elementary School.  In 1989 a move to Creston, BC found them empty nesters as both children were attending university and Anne taught in the Wyndel elementary school.  A final transfer to Campbell River for Tom saw Anne teaching at both Evergreen and Cedar schools.  Both her and Tom retired in 1998 and moved back to the Cowichan Valley where they have lived since.

Anne was a dedicated teacher who turned down all teaching positions above grade two.  She loved the little ones.  Kindergarten was her favourite for a strong focus on social skills.

In retirement Anne was an active member of the Heart and Stroke Walking Club, Daughters of the Nile and the Badoura Club.  Her most active and enjoyable times were spent attending the many dancing and sporting activities of her four grandchildren.  They also spent many enjoyable winters south in their RV.

Anne was predeceased by her parents Walter and Edith Tiesu, her brother and his wife Len and Ruth Tiesu, her brother-in-law Henry Monti, her nephews Wade Trace and Danny Tiesu.  She leaves behind her loving husband Tom, their daughter Dana (Laird) Ruehlen their son Darren (Tricia) Earl and four “perfect” grandchildren: Maya and Brett Ruehlen and Olivia and Dallas Earl.  As well as her two sisters, Marie Monti and Louise (Phillip) Trace and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to formally thank Dr. Dan Philippson whose devotion to Anne’s care was above and beyond.  We would also like to thank the staff of the Cowichan District Hospital.  We specifically thank nurses Sue and Cassie for their special care for Anne.

There will be a Celebration of Life on December 12, 2015 at the Eagles Hall, 2965 Boys Road, Duncan, BC at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers you may donate to the cancer society.