Esther "Anne" Hadford (née Urban)

Anne Hadford, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on Tuesday, December 23, 2024, in Calgary, Alberta.

Born on July 19, 1935, to Elek and Emma Urban, Anne was the youngest of five children, with two older sisters and two older brothers. The family moved from Coronation, Alberta, to a farm near Shaughnessy, Alberta, where they farmed for many decades.

After graduating from high school, Anne began working and later married Eugene Hadford, the son of another area farming family. Together, they moved to Eugene’s family farm, where they welcomed their two daughters, Teresa and Wendy. In the early 1960s, the family relocated briefly to Shaughnessy and then settled in Lethbridge in 1965, where Anne lived for most of her life. In 2022, she moved to Calgary to be closer to Wendy and her family.

Anne faced life’s challenges with incredible strength and determination, becoming an inspiration to those who knew her. She worked tirelessly to provide a loving home for her daughters, taking on various jobs over the years. Among her many roles, Anne was proud to be one of the highest-ranking female employees in the Lethbridge PFRA office, a role that required her to travel and sparked her lifelong “travel bug.”

Anne’s love of travel brought her countless cherished memories. She worked for a Lethbridge airline for several years, allowing her to make spontaneous trips, including flying to Vancouver to visit her daughter Terry just for lunch. Over the years, she enjoyed cruises and trips with family and friends, experiences she treasured deeply.

In her 50s, Anne achieved a personal milestone by graduating from Lethbridge Community College, showcasing her determination and love of learning.

In her later years, Anne found fulfillment in her community, connecting with friends through seniors’ groups, including the Lethbridge Singles Club, and as a proud member of the Red Hat Society. She embraced her vibrant personality through her passion for fashion and accessories, always taking pride in her personal style and the joy of looking and feeling her best.

Anne’s resilience was evident throughout her life as she faced and overcame various health challenges with courage and grace.

Anne is survived by her daughter Wendy Service; her grandchildren Stephanie, Jeanine, Adam, and Chelsey; and her great-grandchildren Alegria, Aurelia, Elissa, Adalina, Lily, Zachary, and Indi.

She was predeceased by her daughter Teresa Anne (Michal Misura) earlier this year; her parents, Elek and Emma Urban; her sisters Victoria and Irene; and her brothers Alec and Julius.

At Anne’s request, no services will be held.