Ann Stephanie Hill (née Radford), born July 17, 1963, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 2, 2024. She was surrounded by loving family members who filled the space of her final days with stories, tenderness, and laughter.

Ann is survived by her two daughters, Karen Hill (Neil) and Alix Hill, her grandson Henry Hoving, her sister Maggie Radford, and a far-reaching group of loving friends and chosen family.

Ann lived in many places throughout her life, and created a sense of home wherever she went. She called Toronto, Ontario home for much of her early life. She spent her summers swimming in Charleston Lake and her winters tobogganing and cross-country skiing with family. Her competitive nature began to bloom on the badminton and volleyball courts. Ann excelled in academics and was given a place in the enhanced program for exceptional students at Northern Secondary School. In her most recent years, Ann planted her roots in Conestogo, Ontario where she fostered a home that was warm, welcoming, and a safe refuge for friends and family.

Ann was a dancer, writer, traveller, adventurer, advocate, yogi, artist and an outdoors(wo)man. She never said no to a cup of tea or some friendly competition in the form of Euchre. She found her peace through meditation, bike rides, writing thoughtful letters to loved ones, walks through the forest and kayaking. Ann was a rare soul, defined by so much more than the hardships she experienced. She never tired of probing life for its meaning and purpose, whether in conversation, action or adventure. With steadfast love, Ann took on the roles of mom, Grann, sister, daughter, and friend. 

Ann's battle with cancer began in June 2017 when she discovered a lump in her right breast through a self-exam. Routine screening tests missed the diagnosis because she had dense breast tissue. In the spring of 2018, she rang the bell to honour the completion of her cancer treatment. 

Since her remission in 2018, Ann joined a Dragon Boat team of breast cancer survivors, became a mentor with the Cancer Connections peer community and was a loud and proud advocate with Dense Breast Canada. She ultimately helped to change legislation which improved the notification of life saving health information for patients - their breast density category. Her healing journey, self-advocacy and contributions to her 'Cancer Connections' community were remarkable. To see more of her advocacy and impact on health policy, please click here:

Breast Density Advocate - Ann Hill

Triple Negative Breast Cancer - Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda and a TIP

Regardless of cancer, Ann lived vivaciously. She left her 30-year career at Rogers Mobile in 2021, enrolled in courses and took on a new role in customer support at a financial advisory office. She dove headfirst into new passions including fitness, wet felting, stained glass, biking, meditation, yoga and watercolour painting. She traveled around Canada and the world with her friends and family. 

In 2023, Ann reached the monumental occasion of 5 years in remission with no evidence of disease. This milestone indicated a high likelihood of continuing remission with years of life ahead. Tragically, in late September 2024, Ann began experiencing seemingly innocuous symptoms and was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer resulting in a brain tumour and Leptomeningeal Disease. 

In sharing the details of Ann's battle with cancer, we hope it empowers you to do your self-exams, ask questions of your medical teams, speak out when something is not right, and always show your loved ones how much they mean to you. 

Ann was an advocate and a giver, but more than that she was a person who found her own joy and meaning. Just by being herself, she helped others find the same and her memory lives on in this way. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a  donation to the University of Waterloo Well-Fit program (Support UW Well-Fit) or a cancer society of your choice.

A celebration of life will be organized for Ann in the spring or summer of 2025. If you have questions about this event please feel free to contact either of Ann's daughters:

Alix - alixdhill@outlook.com 

Karen - kjessiehill@gmail.com

Her daughters welcome loving stories and photo memories of Ann.