ALICE ANNE TRAIN

TRAIN, ALICE ANNE (nee RUSSELL) Died quietly and peacefully, at the age of 90, the day after Mother's Day, on May 15, 2023. Predeceased by her husband, Clifton Train; and her son, Taylor Train. Survived by son, Hall Train (Kathryn Chorney); daughter, Helen Hills (Patrick Hills); and grandchildren, Max, Joseph and Mei Anne. Mom grew up in Timmins, Ontario, and attended Branksome Hall in Toronto. She met Dad in her early twenties, got married, settled and raised their family in old Brampton, where sheep still grazed in the field behind their home on Union Street. A commanding and elegant presence, stylish and graceful, Alice Anne was the consummate hostess. The door was always open to drop-in visitors. There were many dinner parties throughout the years, open houses on New Year's Eve and back porch visits throughout the summer. The first question any guest was asked was, "would you like to stay?" An excellent cook, there was always a gourmet meal prepared or a picnic packed for a country drive to their beloved Hockley property, where they would eventually build their retirement home. Our Brampton home always looked elegant with the brass and silver polished; and there were always beautiful flower arrangements created by Mom, with flowers from her cherished garden or wild flowers gathered from the roadside - "Wait, pull over!!" She was an athletic person. She was a ballet dancer when she met our father. She was a strong swimmer and an elegant skier. She canoed the French River regularly with our father, and introduced "The French" and "Camp One" to her children and grandchildren. She also canoed the Arctic with Dad. Alice Anne taught yoga for many years, and she was one of the founders of the yoga teacher training program in Brampton. She was most proud of the classes she designed for the needs of people with MS. Mom had many passions and causes. She worked with disadvantaged communities, was a Social Director for a seniors' home, raised funds to save heritage homes, and gave consistently to multiple charities and causes that she and Dad supported. Always curious, she continued a challenging reading list that included the daily newspaper, the New Yorker, the Economist and the Times Literary Supplement until the end. She enjoyed sharing what she had read and discussing current events. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Dufferin Oaks Long Term Care Home who offered comfort, respect and a safe haven to Mom until the end. Donations may be made to the MS Society, the Alzheimer Society or to the Humane Society in Alice Anne's memory; all causes that she supported throughout her life. www.grahamgiddyfh.com