Ann Pollak
(nee Guthrie)
Our dear mother, Ann Elizabeth Pollak, died of old age in her 93rd year on June 26, 2020, at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, where she was born on April 21, 1928. Predeceased by beloved husband, Fred Pollak (2007) and precious daughter, Elizabeth (1980). Ann is survived by her children Susan Pollak, Catherine Slone (Eric), Nancy Pollak, and Robin Pollak (Ray); by grandchildren David, Christopher, Matthew, Ted, Lu, and Desiree; and great-grandchildren Isabelle, Anne-Elise, Theo, Olivia, Etienne, and Stanley.
Ann was the precocious only child of Catherine Mary Fidler and Air Vice Marshall Kenneth MacGregor Guthrie. Hers was the itinerant girlhood of an airforce child; she lived across the breadth of Canada from Gander to Victoria. Ann’s marriage to Fred was emblematic of her discerning taste (even if he was army). Together they raised five daughters in playful and hospitable homes; in later years they explored Europe with gusto. Ann was a great reader, an avid theatre-goer, an impeccable seamstress and needle-worker, and a traveller with photographic recall of enchanting scenes. She was a fearless cook and gourmet (croquembouche, anyone?) and the first female Maître of Ottawa’s Commanderie de Bordeaux. Ann also served her parish of St. John the Evangelist for many years. She was a striking and stylish woman, enjoyed and loved by many.
It has been devastating to lose our mother during the pandemic. We are very grateful to the care providers and staff at Ravines for their kindness and care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ottawa Food Bank.
Ann’s life will be celebrated in a private service due to covid-19 restrictions at Beechwood Cemetery’s Sacred Space, Ottawa.
Digital Guestbook
Janet Williamson
John Roumelis
On behalf of the entire Roumelis family (Dan, John, Jean), I want to express our condolences for your loss. We appreciated your beautifully written obituary of Ann's well-lived life and felt how much her family loved her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and you in this difficult and challenging time.
Lyndon Bradish
I remember when Andra and I visited Ann and Fred in Ottawa so many many years ago. A nice time in the family room...and I remember Fred (with Ann looking on with a certain 'look' at the west coast boy) teaching me how to remember a 7 digit phone number after hearing it or seeing it only once. I still can't do it, but I remember the setting!
Regent Gagnon
I will always remember Ann as the best Maitre the Commanderie de Bordeaux à Ottawa ever had. She took that role seriously and was gracious, welcoming eager to share her knowledge of wine and food. She sponsored me into the Commanderie in 1986 and the certificate hangs by my wine cellar entrance.
Allyson Domanski
Dearest Susan, Catherine, Nancy, Robin, David, Matt and Chris,
It is with a heavy heart but also with warm memories of your charming Mom and Grandma that I send our sincere condolences. However unfortunate to lose her during the pandemic, hers was a grand and wonderful long life. It saddens me that we cannot join you in celebrating her accomplished life but know that you are in our heartfelt thoughts.
Much love, Ally & Gary
Nora Gold
Dear Catherine and the whole family,
I just learned about your loss and David and I are so sad to hear this news. Our deepest condolences to you and we wish you much strength and comfort from your family and friends at this difficult time.
Maureen MacQuarrie and family
Susan, Catherine, Nancy, Robin and all your far-flung families including Eric, Ted and Lu:
Sending sympathetic thoughts your way on the death of your mom, mother-in-law and grandmother. The obituary you crafted is a loving tribute to a remarkable woman. So sorry that the current situation prohibits a larger gathering but hope some of you can manage to get together. I’ll be thinking of my Gloucester high school friends (Catherine and Nancy — short lived though your time at Gloucester was) but know how close you all are. May your memories sustain you.
Vicki and Glen Robinson
Dear Susan, Catherine, Nancy and Robin and families. We have such good memories of Ann from many years together at St John's. In particular there were 2 superb dinners that your parents offered for a silent auction. The second in Feb 2006, Ann called her 'last hurrah' - what an amazing meal with even more amazing wines. In honour of the occasion we all 'dressed' for dinner in evening attire. We continued to enjoy occasional visits at Ravines and were sad when Covid 19 made those impossible. Ann was always gracious and engaged. It is a very difficult time to lose someone that you love. We send you all our deepest sympathy. May you find comfort in many happy memories. (ps I am uploading a photo from that last dinner.)
Barbara Lyon
My condolences to the Pollak family on the loss of your wonderful mother. I have fond memories of Katherine and Nancy from our times together at Merivale High and am thinking of you all at this time. Blessings, Barbara
Louise, Lori and Lisa Smith
To Susan, Catherine, Nancy and Robin;
Deepest sympathies from your old neighbours.
Dear Ann's family, Ditto my sister Susan's remarks above. Your mother and you all have been such a strong element in our family's history, we feel it is our loss too. It is a blessing actually that she felt it was her time to be moving on. It is also a blessing that you are all able to gather together as a family, from all over Canada, to remember her and to be close with each other as you deal with the loss of the focus she provided to you all. Wish we could be there with you to support you and grieve with you. Much love from the branch of your family in Salalah, Oman.