Ann Lytkowski
October 5, 1923 - January 9, 2024
On Tuesday January 9th, 2024, Ann Lytkowski loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed into the arms of Jesus in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 100 years. Ann was predeceased by her husband Tom, sister Helen, brothers Ben, John and Bill and her in-laws Beth, Pauline, Mary, Gertie and Willie as well as son-in-law Colin who recently passed.
Ann was born October 5, 1923 in Nordegg, Alberta to William and Elizabeth Strauss. On July 25, 1942 she married her soul mate Tom Lytkowski. Both came from German families who were next door neighbors in Canmore Mines housing. Mom’s best friend was Mary, Tom’s sister. Ann and Tom lived in Canmore until Tom’s passing in 1984.
She was a devoted wife and mother throughout her life. Colleen, their only child was born in 1950. Prior to Colleen’s birth, Ann became a surrogate mother to her niece Marie (Strauss) Leong. Ann lovingly nicknamed her “Little Iodine” a cartoon comic in the newspaper because she had a mischievous nature that often got her into trouble.
In 1969 Greg Condon, her grandson was born. Ann and Tom were the best grandparents a child could have. They loved Greg unconditionally and were always available for baby-sitting or to lend an ear when Greg needed support. During a teachers strike in Calgary, Greg spent one school year attending Canmore Elementary school. This was a positive learning experience for Greg in which he developed a special loving relationship with his grandparents.
After Tom retired, Ann was asked to take on a housekeeping job in Banff at various hotels/motels which led to her final job in housekeeping at the old Canmore Hospital. She was an immaculate housekeeper at home and at work.
Mom’s passion was getting together with family and friends. She was especially close to her sister-in-law, Pauline Cavanaugh. They would meet for tea at least once a week and telephone often as both lived in Canmore. She loved and adored her brothers and sisters but also loved and had a very close connection with her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law as well as extended family. After Tom’s passing she couldn’t bring herself to living in Canmore alone. She moved to Calgary and moved in with Ron and Marjorie Randen, her nephew and his wife. Ron, Marjorie and their son Mark helped her prepare to live on her own and establish a new life in Calgary. They helped her to laugh again.
Ann was a regular at The Kerby Centre and the Golden Age Club meeting her lady friends for bingo and a chat. Ann always took pride in her appearance. She always had a coordinated wardrobe complete with necklace and earrings.
Ann visited Colleen often in Salt Lake City, Utah. Those trips allowed mother and daughter to create lasting memories together and cherish their time spent in each other’s company. They spent each Sunday at the Salt Lake Tabernacle enjoying the half hour service which included the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. This brought back fond memories to Mom as she remembered, as a young girl, sitting by the radio on Sunday with her brother John and listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
When Colleen and son-in-law Colin moved back to Calgary from the USA, she moved closer to them, finally moving in with them after a couple bouts of cancer. Ann travelled to Barbados, various USA locations, Hawaii, Mexico and Australia with Colleen and son-in-law Colin.
Ann went to a day program at Newport Harbour Care Centre but due to progressive declining health moved to Bow-Crest long term care where she passed. Her later years were not kind due to her declining health and eyesight and many close relatives and friends passing but somehow she continued with a positive attitude.
Ann is lovingly remembered by daughter Colleen Jackson, grandson Greg Condon (Linda); Michael Jackson (Diane) and grandchildren Nathan (Cheryl); Paige, Braiden, Kail, Kassandra, Paul, Brianna as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
A funeral service will be held at a later date.
Ann’s final resting place will be at Canmore Cemetery in Canmore, Alberta.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.
