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Memorial Keepers(1)
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Karen Hill
Ann's Child
Ann Stephanie Hill
July 17th, 1963 - October 2nd, 2024
July 17th, 1963 - October 2nd, 2024
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.
Create an event page to coordinate a gathering in honor of Ann
Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Ann’s life with a heartfelt message.
Harry Thompson
I’m in total shock at Anne’s passing…😢😢😢 Whenever I called the office it always made me smile listening to the message that Anne had recored. I was her first customer she delt with when she started at Lake Wood Wealth. I would chat with Anne for a few minutes then I would cut to the chase and tell her I needed so much for a trip I was planning then we would discuss the trip for 10 minutes or so . She was so interested my travels. RIP and I know you will riding shotgun with Karen on our travels…🥰🥰🥰
Heather Wheeler
I met Ann through the advisory office she worked at. I always enjoyed my conversations with Ann. She was easy to talk to and she made it feel like we had been long time friends. The photo I added of Ann is from the Manulife EDGE conference and she is seen sitting with her colleagues Carol and Alana.
Carol-Anne Johnson
Karen and Alix, I was deeply saddened to hear of Ann’s passing. I met Ann many years ago when she worked at Rogers. At the time, I had just transitioned to a new role, and she was kind, patient, and so generous with helping me to onboard to the team. She would eventually become my manager, and those were some of the best years of my career. We nicknamed ourselves the “crash-train team” and became a close group. Even after Ann retired, and we would connect (to wish each other Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas), she referred to me as “7132”. This was in reference to my work phone extension. When I would call her for a question, for a meeting (whatever it was), she would answer “Hello 7132…”. That greeting always made me laugh, and so it stuck. Ann lit up a room, and those around her, with her warmth and humor. I am fortunate and blessed to have known her, and I will miss her. Rest in peace my friend. With deepest sympathy, x7132
Gail Schenk
Gail Schenk Ann and I have been in the same Well Fit class for the past six years. I was deeply saddened to hear that Anne has passed away. I offer sympathy, encouragement and love to her Family at this very difficult time. Throughout the time I have known Ann she has always been a smiling and energetic presence in our class. She would check in with participants as she worked out on the bike or practiced strengthening exercises. She’d stop with others to chat, joke, laugh and be supportive. During monthly coffee visits at CCCare Ann would be with us to share great snacks, warm drinks, and all sorts of conversation.Yes, Well Fit is like an extended family. Heartfelt disbelief and grief hit us all upon learning about Ann's passing. Thank you to her Family for sharing with us Ann’s courageous gifts - the “Breast Density Awareness” video from Dense Breasts Canada and her story “Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda and a TIP” in the Canadian Breast Cancer Network, Mar. 3. 2021. Ann unselfishly and lovingly gave to all women the support and encouragement to advocate for upfront medical information about the potential difficulties of diagnosing cancer in dense breast tissue. Ann’s friendship and wisdom lives on with us.
Masood Azam
Alix and Karen, My deepest condolences for the loss of your Mother. Reading the stories others shared, they're all so Ann and just bring me back to amazing memories I'm fortunate to share with your mom. Ann and I crossed paths many many years ago and then one day I was fortunate to not only be on the same team as her, but to have her as my leader. At the time I was very comfortable doing what I knew, she asked me if I wanted to try something different. I remember it was a Friday, later in the day and I said "No, I kinda like what I'm doing now". She smiled and said ok cool! I left work, got on the subway and thought to myself why am I saying no. I got off the subway, called and said is it too late to change my mind? He laughed and I could literally hear her smile, she said never! Your mom didn't just influence my resistance to change, she supported me throughout the change! That's work. On a personal level, Ann always impressed me. The fearlessness she lived with, taking on and trying new things, challenging herself and those around her, and being so incredibly humble through all of her many successes. Every time I saw her, both our faces would light up, we'd have the BEST conversations about literally anything and everything, she was always so warm and had the biggest welcoming arms. I'm going to miss the long hugs and her gentle voice expressing how much she cared about you. I am forever grateful to have known her and to have worked alongside her. I'm so proud and humbled to call her a friend. Thank you both for providing a space for us to look back at the many many fond memories we are all so fortunate to have shared and been touched by through a beautiful and warm human. xo Masood
Susan Poland
Words have escaped me as I come to terms with Ann's passing. Karen & Alix I am so so sorry and saddened. Your mom showed such love and support to me (and many others) as I fought breast cancer. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the physical impact of the illness and profoundly caring. Ann was a warrior, a bad-ass, a free-spirited & loving person. I had much respect for the depth of her intelligence and her capacity to both love and create art. We shared the experience of becoming grandmother and oh, how she loved becoming Henry's grandmother. I am blessed for having known Ann. I cannot help but think of this poem... "Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die."
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