ANNABELLE “ANN” LOUISE MARGARET PECKHAM

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother Ann Peckham went home to be with Jesus March 29th. Ann fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.

She is survived by husband Bill of 47 years as well as children Mike Peckham and Linda Vandenakker (Ken), adopted son, Elisha Kayanja Peckham from Uganda; grandchildren Felicia Keeley (Holly and Freya), Sheena Leanne Peckham (London, England), Amanda Oatway (Corey), Joshua Vandenakker, Jennifer Vandenakker, and Great Granddaughter Lily Oatway; extended daughters Grace Lee Kam (Arthur) (Langley, B.C.) and Rachael Nansamba (Uganda), extended sons Paul Sekenjako (Jamiee) (Winnipeg) and Pastor Allan Kisakye of Uganda. And many others who lovingly referred to her as Mom or Jaja Ann.

Annabelle Louise Margaret Peckham (née Wirtzfeld) was born 3 lbs. in the Saskatoon hospital Christmas Day, December 25th, 1942.  The church bells were ringing that morning and so her mother named her Annabelle.  She had to spend the first three months in a hospital incubator before being moved to an orphanage (as her Mom had given her up for adoption) in Saskatoon.  Her maternal Grandma found out about her and brought her home to her farm near Humboldt, SK where Ann was raised with her aunts and uncles.  Grandma Wirtzfeld moved into Humboldt from the farm so Ann was able to attend school in town.  Some few years later she moved into Winnipeg to live with her mother and attend school.   

Ann, after a short marriage, was left to raise her two children as a single parent. Ann attended Red River College to become a Clerk Typist, once the kids were in school. Then she began work at Motor Coach Industries to support her family. Fiercely protective of her two kids, she was very particular with who she would date, her kids were her priority. She met William (Bill) Stanley Peckham who on the second date included the kids, and he became the love of her life.   They were married at St. Saviour’s Anglican Church in Winnipeg on July 2nd, 1977. Mom resigned from her job in 1988. Bill and Ann moved to Berens River and stayed for 4 years. In 1992 they moved to Ebb and Flow for seven years until Bill resigned from teaching. These years up north were a new experience for them, working with a different culture. Preparing their way for Uganda! Mom and Dad were baptized in 1998 preparing them for their next life assignment.

In 2000 volunteering at the Billy Graham Conference for Preaching Evangelists in Holland changed the course of their lives. They returned to Greece from Canada in 2001 to volunteer with Hellenic Ministries, then a “quick stop" to Uganda to visit Christopher Muwonge and his family, which led their hearts to the plight of orphans and eventually there they stayed for nearly 20 years! Establishing Eagles Wings Children’s Village for orphaned children in 2004. Ann became a much-loved mother to many orphaned children, and young adults alike. Everyone she met, she loved and her love was evident. Bill and Ann took into their home three children Elisha Kayanja Peckham who became legally adopted in 2017, Reagan (died in 2018), Najib (cerebral palsy).  All three children were deeply in need of love and life. Ann, who had no formal training, loved these 3 children with all her heart and with all God blessed her with.

Ann dealt with numerous medical problems, but not once did Mom complain through any of them. Mom always chose to respond to situations in her life with grace and acceptance. Nothing was insurmountable. Everything will be fine, she loved to say. God blessed her with a peace that surpasses all understanding, joy unending, and a love for all she met.

Her last couple of years were spent doing Word search puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and playing Solitaire, often while humming or singing some favourite song. The love of her Lord Jesus emanated joyously from her in song.

Ann spent her last weeks being lovingly cared for by Bill and Elisha and family. Becoming bedridden early February, she remained peaceful and content in spirit. Always “I’m fine” when asked. Passing peacefully into the arms of her Savior with family all around her, her heart's desire was realized.

Family wish to thank the incredible Home Care staff that so lovingly cared for Mom daily, often calling her Mom. Thank you to the Palliative Care program that supported both Ann and family to stay at home.                                                                          

All involved in Ann’s care in whatever way, know your presence was a blessing to Ann and Bill, and family.

We will be celebrating Ann’s life at 12:00 noon, on Saturday April 5th, at Oak Bluff Bible Church (53A MB-3, Oak Bluff, MB). The family is requesting lovely colour to be worn if comfortable. 

Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Eagles Wings Children’s Village. There are a few different ways that they can accept donations: By cheque made out to Eagles Wings Children’s Village and mailed to Box 282 Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2G9, or by etransfer to eagleswingschildrensvillageca@gmail.com, or via credit card through Canada Helps by clicking here. 

Ann’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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