With her family by her side at Margaret’s Place Hospice in Dundas, Ontario; Ann Verner died peacefully on April 4th, 2026, at the age of 78.
Loving mother of Marcel (Emily Nichols) and Marc. Dear sister to Roger Foster. Also survived by her nephews Don France Jr. (Jennifer) and their children Myra and Granger; Rob France (Daniela) and their children Aveah and Brayden. Ann was predeceased by her sisters Jane Foster and Rosalind “Ros” France, and her parents, George & Myra Foster.
Kind, courageous, and determined, Ann raised two boys on her own. She taught first-year chemistry at U of T Scarborough for 35+ years, touching the lives of thousands of students. Ann was always a source of quiet strength, positivity, and endless gratitude, despite facing numerous career, health, and family challenges throughout her life. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.
Ann was born to George and Myra Foster on August 18th, 1947, in Pointe-à-Pierre, a refinery town in Trinidad, where George was a welding superintendent. At age 16 (1963), Ann went off to La Retraite Convent boarding school in Somerset, England to complete her ‘A’ levels and ‘O’ levels. After La Retraite, Ann studied at University of St. Andrews in Dundee, Scotland, earning her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Upon graduation, she came to Canada in 1969 and earned a Master of Science in Chemistry at University of Toronto. Later she earned a Master of Engineering degree in Occupational Health and Safety as well. Education was one of Ann’s highest priorities. In addition to teaching her chemistry students and giving extra homework to her own sons, Ann also found time to volunteer with Scientists in Schools, bringing her love of science to elementary students across southern Ontario.
Ann maintained a warm and sunny disposition, even as she struggled with dementia for 10+ years. She loved reading, people-watching, and listening to calypso music. A people person through and through, she made friends easily and was beloved by all who came to know her. To her caregivers who loved and helped her in her final days and years: thank you, thank you, thank you! Condolences can be sent to annvernerchemistry@gmail.com. Details for a celebration of life will be shared later. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canadian Cancer Society, the Alzheimer Society, or Margaret’s Place Hospice in Dundas. As Ann always said, “sharing is caring.”
So many happy, fun memories shared with Ann over 40+ years working at ‘Scarborough College’ as we knew it in the early days. Picnics in the valley…… working through getting the First Year Chemistry tests and exams completed with printing and sorting….. It was such a pleasure to work along side Ann in my capacity as Administrative Assistant. Remember Marcel and Marc as very small boys attending the picnics; meeting her very funny sister Roz… May she now rest in peace and will always be in my heart. Condolences to all her family.
Always admired her and her beautiful smile. She was a gentle and soft spoken person, fun to be around, and bubbly. Our prayers and thoughts are with Ann, Marcel, Marc and all the family. With love, Paula and Douglas Ironside.
I was deeply saddened to hear about Ann’s passing. She played an important role in welcoming me to the department as a member of the hiring committee, and I will always remember how supportive and encouraging she was during my first years at the university. Ann had an exceptionally warm and cheerful personality, and a truly big heart. Her kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on me and on so many others. She will be greatly missed.
I am so saddened to learn of Ann’s passing. I knew her as such a kind soul, always gracious about giving her time to help students succeed at UTSC, and with a wonderful and generous smile.
Ann, you have left your mark on the world and you are missed.