Anna Ruth Fiander

We regret to announce that Anna Ruth Fiander passed away on February 9, 2026.

Anna was born in Liverpool to the late Arthur “Joseph” and Gladys “Ruth” (Huskins) Fiander.

Anna was a proud and loving mother to her son, Howard Campbell Oxley, who sadly preceded her in death, along with his father, late John H. Oxley. Anna was also predeceased by her long-time partner, Leslie MacKinnon.

Anna is survived by two ‘big’ brothers and their families: James (late Jean) and children Richard (Lois) and Lynn (Paul) Lepine and Paul (Sandra) and children Krista, Lisa (Doug)Beazley, Mark (Christine) and Alana. Among loved ones who will miss having Anna present in their lives are Les’ daughter and son-in-law, Charlene and Chris Lloy and their children Justin (Vanessa) and Janna. Anna enjoyed being a great-aunt and grandmother ‘Granna’.

Anna graduated from Dalhousie University in 1975 with Bachelor of Library Science degree and continued working with Dalhousie’s Killam Library. She joined Fisheries and Oceans Canada and served 27 years before retiring as Manager, Regional Libraries. Anna was truly a life-long learner, achieving the Masters of Library Science degree and in 2003 the Executive Masters of Electronic Commerce, both at Dalhousie University. In 2015 she received the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and commenced a new artistic career. Her paintings have been displayed in various local galleries.

Anna has been a long-time resident of Halifax-Dartmouth but maintained very close connections with Summerville. Hours on Summerville Beach led to additional artistic endeavours as “Beachcomber”. During at least three seasons of the year, Anna cherished walking on the beach and always had time for a wave and a friendly chat. Anna volunteered with United Way, Cape Breton Charitable Society, Literacy Nova Scotia, Coastal Queens Place & Hostel, the Spectacle Light Society, and was a blood donor for decades.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool, NS. Funeral and burial will be held a date to be determined in spring 2026. Online condolences may be made below.

Always organized, Anna suggested that memorial tributes be made to Hospice Halifax, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (Scholarship Funds), Coastal Queens Place & Hostel, Summerville Christian Church or a charity of your choice.

Although the changing tides have washed away yesterday’s footprints, the memories and joy of Anna will be with us forever.