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Colin Symes
Ann Symes
May 7th, 1960 - February 20th, 2020
May 7th, 1960 - February 20th, 2020
Beloved wife of 36 years to Colin, daughter to Brian and Shirley and sister to Sharon; Mum to Ben, Becky and Abby and Grandma to Phoebe, Gideon, Islay, Elly and Cara. Her family were so focal to who she was.
She was a light to many who came to her for counselling, helping so many through stuck places. Her insightful training and leadership of the Hope counselling team also equipped and enabled others to make a difference to many more.
She loved her garden, for which she spent many happy hours caring, sitting there and latterly enjoying from the garden room from which she watched the seasons change.
She was loved in Community Church Edinburgh where she served as a leader, and for a while also as administrator. She loved to sing in worship, and passed that love on to her children and grandchildren.
She is deeply missed, but at home in the arms of the Lord she loved.
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Resting Place
Craigmillar Castle Park Cemetery
55.9265285, -3.1527792
Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Ann’s life with a heartfelt message.
David Hewitt
Ann was such a special person. Time in her presence was always rich with insight, compassion and encouragement! We remember so many, many precious times over the years .... she was still a schoolgirl when I first came to the City Temple .... and our families grew up together. We fondly remember a joint family holiday together in Brittany, evenings playing Mahjong, visits to Loch Lomond as well as shared experiences on the church team. It was a delight to also be involved in designing a family room extension for the house in Mid Liberton – Ann's attention to detail was an inspiration, and her joy in having increased access to her garden was delightful! We miss you greatly, Ann, but honour your legacy and look forward to the day we gather together among the 'great cloud of witnesses'. Love David & Maggie
Ashleigh Dunn
It was in recent times that I got to know Ann better as we journeyed through cancer. I have the fondest memories of those vulnerable conversations that developed a depth of friendship only possible with such rawness and honesty. I miss not being able to have those conversations any more, as they were healing, inspiring and life giving. I am so grateful for all Ann brought to church, the significant work she did to establish Hope counselling service and the legacy she has left. But, it's amazing to think we will be together again in glory! In the meantime, I give thanks for Ann and pray God's continued comfort and peace to her family who miss her so keenly.
Hatti Crawford
On her birthday I recall Ann as a dear, wise, faithful and steadfast friend who gave to me and others , often at great personal cost. I miss sharing the garden, the flowers and birds in it, little comments and meditations on day to day life, her deep spirituality. But I also rejoice in all she shared with me and built into my being by who she was and what she believed. Be blessed all whose life touched hers.
Tom Cumming
Ann had a beautiful way of making people feel welcome, the way she said hello would make you feel special and at ease in her presence. On many occasion starting out dating her daughter Becky, Ann would make me feel at ease at busy Symes family lunches (often so many crossing conversations going on!) Ann's welcome continued as Becky and I were engaged and accepted me into the family willingly mine and Becky's wedding day. It was amazing to see how she cared about the details of the lives of so many people even when battling cancer. I would have loved to have more time to have gotten to know Ann and share in her earthly story, I an glad you are in peace with Jesus.
Chris
Ann had 'the look'. 'Fine' never seemed to be nearly satisfactory an answer to 'And how are you Chris?' - just couldn't get away with it. The only alternative response seemed to be tears as I realised again in the light of 'the look' what was broken or hurting. I have been grateful so many times for that unusual gift, helping me again to know that I am known by God. I am so grateful too that Ann was given to Colin, my friend and inspirer for forty years; and to be witness to that true and enduring love, fruitful and evergreen - a wonder indeed. Just one more thought: an hour or two after Ann's passing I was out walking in the open field and the open sky, and had a brief vision in my mind. I saw Ann entering in to the blissful glories of God's Heavens. She turned momentarily and, with the look and a knowing twinkle in her eye, said simply, 'I told you so'. Then turned again in to the light.
Abby Lanyon-Olver, Ann’S Youngest Daughter
I was trying to imagine what I might have done for you mum if you were still with us here on earth today. We would have been together. We would have enjoyed moments together in the sun. We would have had some lovely food, probably some fish. We would have been so happy celebrating you turning 60. Even without you with us today - it’s a day of celebration and thankfulness for you. I am so thankful for you mum. I ache every day to be with you again. Here is a poem I hope reaches you somehow on this special day. I am sure you must be experiencing a lot of peace and joy and sunshine today. A poem of gratefulness for you my Mum on your 60th birthday. I’m listening to a beautiful piece of music called crow road Croft by Calum Stewart and Lauren Maccoll as I write this. Even though I have written so much I feel there are not enough words to express our love and connection we shared. I am grateful. My childhood I’m grateful for your womb my mum For how you carried me I’m grateful for the cost of pain you paid in giving birth to set me free I’m grateful for you holding me And how you kept me safe from harm I’m grateful for our cheek to cheek Even closer in your arms I’m grateful for your loving smiles For ideas of what I could play I’m grateful for you being there To meet my every need each day. I’m grateful for our holidays For times of family and fun I’m grateful for our times together In beautiful places in the heat and in the sun My youth I’m grateful for the jokes we shared And how you still showed me that you cared I’m grateful for your listening ears Amidst my many teenage tears I’m grateful for the effort you made To connect with me even when you were afraid I’m grateful for your steadfast love For forgiving me when times were tough I’m grateful that you helped me feel You taught me to how to keep it real. My adulthood I’m grateful for all your support And how you learned to let me go I’m grateful for your encouraging words When things were tough or I was low I’m grateful for the love you gave To each of my children in your wonderful way. I’m grateful for church together each Sunday Of our family singing together in harmony I’m grateful for the time we shared And all the meals that you prepared I’m grateful for each and every moment us all together, of time well spent Each smile you gave, the joy you had The love you cherished with my dad I’m grateful for the faith you taught us That in everything we can trust in Jesus I’m grateful for how beautifully you loved And how you never gave that up I’m grateful for your beautiful green eyes For holding hands before you died I’m grateful for our precious intimacy Of the good and perfect gift you were and are to me I’m grateful that even though now there is pain I will see you my precious mum again
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