NEWDIGATE ANN MILLS

ANN NEWDIGATE MILLS Ann passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 13, 2023, following a cancer diagnosis. Her family was in attendance, and she received comfort from her affectionate cats. An internationally recognized artist who wove her fascinating life into a wide variety of media, Ann relentlessly gained knowledge, sharing it with students of any age and embracing vibrant social circles. Ann was born in Grahamstown, South Africa on August 17, 1934, to Harry Newdigate and Amy Newdigate (nee Hoole). Growing up in Plettenberg Bay, Ann developed a love for the seaside, a delight in humorous characters and profound affection for her large family. She is predeceased by her siblings Joy Evans, Rosalind Thesen and Jim Newdigate. She married John Mills in 1962 and they formed a life-long bond made stronger by mutual passion for culture and gastronomy. They shared a commitment to social justice, exemplified by active participation in resistance to the apartheid system. In 1966, they moved to Saskatoon with their son Julian. Their daughter, Josephine, was born shortly after arriving in Canada. Ann was a dedicated community builder, including being a founding part of the Saskatoon Open School. In 1999, John and Ann relocated to their cottage at Hornby Island, where they had brought their family since 1970. Ann loved Hornby's distinctive qualities, appreciated the island's wonderfully supportive community and gratefully participated in community building events. Ann's education began at St. Winnifred's in George and Dioscesan School for Girls in Grahamstown. She went on to earn a B.A. from The University of Cape Town, followed by a BFA and MFA from The University of Saskatchewan. She did post-graduate studies at the Edinburgh College of Art and was a Visiting Fellow at Monash University in Melbourne, where she inaugurated a course in tapestry. Throughout her life, Ann was dedicated to teaching and mentoring, sharing insights with established artists and leading workshops for children. Ann's professional life began by working for The British High Commission in Pretoria and Cape Town. She spent a year working in pubs in London, before returning to South Africa to work for advertising agencies and the Progressive Party at its inception. Ann brought the experience of living in different countries at different historical moments to her vocation: a professional artist who worked in a wide variety of media, most notably tapestry. She won a commission to install a tapestry at Moshe Safdie's Ottawa City Hall, and had many solo exhibitions including in New York, Toronto, Edinburgh and Melbourne. She exhibited in group shows throughout Canada, in France, Norway, London, Scotland, Australia and South Africa. She served on the Saskatchewan Arts Board, as well as serving on Canada Council juries including one to choose the Governor General's prize. Ann was awarded a Life Time Achievement from the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. Ann was predeceased by John, and is survived by Julian, Julian's spouse Julie Dorsch, and granddaughter, Gabrielle Mills, Josephine and Josie's spouse, Leila Armstrong. In lieu of flowers, Ann's family is suggesting a donation to Hornby Denman Health. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/8312?v2=true