Anne Mary (nee Costello) Doyle

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Anne Mary (nee Costello) Doyle of Avondale, on January 18, 2021 at home and in the loving arms of her family. A long life, well lived, Anne was the matriarch of a large close-knit family of 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband Bill and their infant daughter Margaret Teresa, as well as five beloved brothers and sisters. She is survived by her four daughters, Mary (Patrick) Whelan of Chapel’s Cove, Dorothy (Jon) Newman of St. Albert, Alberta, Irene (Wayne) Barry of St. John’s and Patricia (Ron) Kilius of Mississauga, Ontario and her sister, Genevieve Lambe and sister-in-law Esther Costello of St. John’s. Leaving to mourn her grandchildren and their families, whom she loved fiercely: Karl (Carolann), Keith (Carla), Jennifer (Dominique), David, and Patrick (Erica) Whelan; Jill (Modest) Janicki, Timothy (Danielle) and Christopher (Ange) Newman; David (Jenna) and Susan (Jacob) Barry; Alexander and Erica Kilius, and her great-grandchildren who gave her so much joy: Ava, Gavin; Ivy; Lillian; Lauren, Miles, Stella; Arlie; Linnea and Jorah. Also leaving to mourn her caregiver and friend, Stephanie Swan, and her nieces, nephews, and godchildren, whom she held always in her heart.

Anne was a gentle soul who practiced a life of humility, kindness and unfailing courtesy in the town in which she was born and lived her entire life. Together with Bill, her beloved husband of fifty-six years, she raised her family in their staunch Catholic faith, and their shared values of their love and community. A gracious host, Anne welcomed visits and calls from family, neighbours and friends, never forgetting a milestone or to inquire about loved ones. Her special talent was to make you feel special - to give you the benefit of all her attention and affection, and to always offer words of support and encouragement. She made and maintained friendships across generations and across miles, and all of her relationships shared the benefit of her wisdom, leadership and guidance.

Anne had an intimate relationship with God, and found great solace in observance and prayer especially as her world shrunk in her late years. She had a soft heart, a keen mind and a quick wit. She loved a good game of cards, followed all political news on TV and wanted nothing more than a laden dinner table and a house full of people. She had courage and integrity, grace and beauty. She loved unconditionally, and was loved in return. She taught us how to live, but not how to live without her.

The family would like to thank Dr. Russell Lake for years of expert and compassionate care, Father Thomas Offong, S.V.D., her spiritual advisor, her kind caregivers, and her many generous neighbours and friends.

Resting at Dunphy's Funeral Home, Holyrood. Visitation Sunday, January 24, 2021 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 25, 2021 at Assumption Catholic Church, Avondale with interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery, Avondale. Due to Covid 19 Regulations, the funeral service is by invitation only. For those unable to attend, the funeral mass will be live streamed. Please see the link below.  

Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in Anne’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. A celebration of her life with family and friends is planned for summer or fall of 2021 after resolution of the pandemic.