Obituary of Anne Elman

Peacefully, at home, surrounded by family, G. Anne Elman passed away on Monday August 30, 2010. Born in Saint John on July 11th, 1927 to Charles and Edna (Ward) Harrington. Anne was a free spirited, creative, and passionate woman, who touched the lives of so many in the community. A graduate of the Fine Arts Department of Saint John Vocational School, Anne moved to Nova Scotia where she was active in radio and theatre, with the Dominion Drama Festival, the Theatre Arts Guild, and C.B.C. Radio plays. Upon returning to Saint John, Anne was employed with the Art Department of the New Brunswick Museum, where she taught art classes, trained docents, and assisted in the selection of paintings for the Canadian Art Pavilion at Expo 67 in Montreal. An active volunteer in the community, she was a member of the Sisterhood of the Shaarei Zedek Congregation and the Canadian Haddassah Wizo, taught Hebrew School, mentored the Young Judea youth group, and volunteered with schools and community events. Anne was the founder and director of The Children’s Drama Workshop and Company of Young Actors, and loved sharing her time and passion with hundreds of children who worked with her. She was recognized by the City of Saint John in 2005 for her 20 years of contributing to theatre in Saint John, as well being the recipient of the New Brunswick Day Merit Award for Arts and Culture in 1992. Anne was a visual artist, playwright, teacher, mentor, and friend. Anne is survived by her husband and best friend, Daniel, her three children: Morgan Leigh (Toronto), Kate, and David (Saint John), son-in-law Michael, 2 beloved grandchildren (her pride and joy) Elijah and Sophie, and sister Gladys Cunningham (Toronto). Funeral will be Wednesday, September 1st at 2 p.m. at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, followed by a graveside service at the Shaarei Zedek Cemetery. Traditional Shiva will take place at her home 178 Horsler Drive at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. until Friday morning. Prior to her passing, the Arts community established the Anne Elman Scholarship for Children in the Arts. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted to the scholarship c/o InterAction Children’s Theatre Co. 674-9192.