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March 30, 1939 - July 7, 2021
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Anne East (née Coates, formerly Phare) of Chase, BC. Anne passed away peacefully at home with family by her side after battling lung cancer with her usual tenacity. Loving wife of Allan East since 1979 (deceased June 14, 2021) she said "we had 41 good years" of dancing, camping, fishing, parties and Chase Legion gatherings with friends and family. With special memories of "The Momich" on Adams Lake together.
Marriage to Al created a big combined family. Anne is survived by children; Gord Phare (Diane), Clayton Phare (Connie), April Haussmann (née Phare) (Dave), Kelly Phare (Dawn), and Jim East (Colleen), Diane Eaton (née East) (Roger), Rosanne Poirier (née East) (Rob), Heather East and Cindy East, 18 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, siblings; Lois, Robert, Ray and Dinah. She is predeceased by her parents Len and Gladys Coates and sister Linda.
Born in Newbury, Ontario and raised in Gibsons, BC, Anne was an adventurous, hard worker with endless amounts of energy. She ventured to Vancouver at 16 to work and never looked back. Many years were spent living in Mission, BC. She worked at Overwaitea Foods for 18 years before she and Al moved to Chase in mid 1980's where she eventually worked for Canada Post before retiring.
Anne always set out to make her community a better place to live and promote well-being. She was a member of the Royal Purple (Elks), Hatzic Ratepayers, softball player and ball coach in Mission.
In Chase she was presented a Life Membership of the Creekside Seniors Centre for her years of dedication as volunteer leader of exercise classes (until she was 81). Doing this touched on three favourite things; exercise, helping people and coffee with friends.
Anne was a well loved and respected member of the Chase Legion and Chase Legion Ladies Auxiliary (LA) and will be missed by all. She joined in 1989 proudly receiving her 30 year pin and many medals. Anne held the position of LA President in 1991, 1992 and 2006, Vice President in 1994 and 2010. As Past President she served as Honors and Awards Officer and Ways and Means Officer (2002-2005). She never hesitated when help was needed "phone Anne". She was a great cook and dedicated countless hours to catering weddings, birthdays, memorials and Legion fundraisers and events.
A competitor and card player Anne loved Canasta and ladies darts. However her special game was Crib. She competed in the BC Senior Summer Games many times, bringing home the gold medal once and placing 3rd in the Canadian National's in 2015. Many of her grandchildren's most vivid memories are "crib games with Grandma E".
Anne she often spoke of fun times and special friendships made through work, volunteering, Red Hat Society and trips (many trips!) to Reno. She and Al had a prolific garden and she lined her larder with 1000's of Mason jars in her lifetime (pickled beets YUM!). She was an awesome, cool Mom whose house was always open. A no-fuss gal she just let her kids get-on with life knowing she was only a phone call away.
Celebration of Life for both Anne and Al will be held on August 28, 2021 at the Chase Legion. Time will be announced later.


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