January 26, 2021
1946-2021 ~ With profound sadness we announce the passing of Anne Pearson on January 26, 2021. She passed away with her husband and daughters by her side. Anne's battle with cancer was heroic and she showed an immense amount of strength, courage and determination right until the end.
Anne was born in Vancouver in 1946 to Don and Betty Reed. Being the eldest of four (Jim, Tom, David) and the only girl, helped form her feisty spirit and sense of humour.
Little did Anne know, but her family's move to Vernon in 1964 would change her life forever. There she met Terry Pearson, a true Vernon boy, for the first time. In 1972, Anne and her handsome Terry started their lives together. Their timeless love story involved many years of adventure, including living and working in England, Kenya, Namibia, Tanzania and Canada. Anne's adventuresome spirit and fearlessness took them on a lifetime of safaris. She was the beloved mother of Katie Malaika (Joseph) and Lauren Naivasha, proud grandmother of Kiana and Neva. Anne's lifelong passion for education was passed down to Katie who is a teacher on Bowen Island. Anne's deep love of East Africa and dedication to public service will carry on through Lauren's career as an aid worker.
Anne's desire to make the world a better place and her devotion to family will live on in her daughters. Anne adored her granddaughters and she will live on in their hearts forever.
Anne leaves behind many beloved family members and close friends around the world. She will be remembered as a tiny person with relentless determination, extreme loyalty, an outrageous sense of humour, sincere kindness and the fastest footsteps around.
Anne started the African Children's Book Box society in Kenya in 1990 when she discovered a need for locally written and published books in local schools. Over the past 15 years ABB has expanded to Tanzania where it supports a diversity of education and health initiatives.
From the rolling green hills of Mufindi in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, to the bustling town of Karatu, Anne considered her Tanzanian friends as extended family. With her dear friend Ruth James, Anne worked hard to ensure the charity had significant impact on tens of thousands of lives.
Anne's legacy will be continued through the African Children's Book Box with her daughters leading the charity forward. Donations can be made in memory to: www.africanbookbox.org
An image that will remain with us is of Anne driving her 4-wheel drive over the rough backroads of East Africa to deliver books and supplies to the communities she loved. With her small frame, huge heart, and formidable spirit she was a force of nature.