Ann Hamilton Benattar

Ann Hamilton Boswell Benattar

July 15, 1927 - January 19, 2026

Of Toronto, Pierrefonds and Muskoka

Graduate of Havergal College and University of Toronto class of 1946.

Mother to Edie, Tony (Sandra), Pat (Heather), Sue, Samantha (David). 

Leaves 8 grandchildren: Lon (Harr), Angela (Tyler), Evan, Cole, Shayne (Julia), Will, Travis and Willow, 5 great grandchildren: Jordan, Galen, Teigan, Anabelle and Angelika, and one great niece: Jess (Phill).

Pre-deceased by her husband of 63 years Henry Benattar whom she met while they were youth hosteling around Europe in the early 50’s. They retained the friendships they made then throughout their lives.

Pre-deceased by her brothers Pat (Steph) and Bill (Dorothy) and her nephew Peter (Denise).

Daughter of Nan Cronyn and William Hamilton Boswell.

Ann was a writer who contributed to The North Shore News, News and Chronicle and had a column in the Muskoka Sun in the 80’s and 90’s. She wrote short stories and self published a cookbook, Low Cost Cooking For One. In her eighties Shoreline press published some short stories and her memoir, A Couple of Tea, and a memoir/cookbook in collaboration with Henry, A Taste of Boyhood.

She was a substitute teacher and lunch monitor on the West Island of Montreal from the 70’s through the 90’s and in the late 60’s coached her daughter’s softball team, the Pierrefonds Orange Socks.

Growing up in Toronto, Mum frequented Muskoka in the summers at a family cottage. This led to Ann and Henry buying property next to her cousins and building a beautiful cottage of their own that they enjoyed along with their family for many years.

She was a charter member of the Versailles Gardens bridge club from the early 60’s until 2013 when she and Henry re-located to Bracebridge to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren.

In 1974/75 Ann and Henry moved the family to Richmond, Surrey, a suburb of London, England, for Dad’s work and took the whole family on three epic trips around the continent in our red Chevy van visiting dad’s family as well as meeting up with those first friends that were at the youth hostel in England in the early 50’s.

Mum was a Leafs fan in the 30’s and 40’s back when they used to win cups and then became a Habs fan when they moved to Montreal just in time to watch them win all the cups in the 70’s and 80’s.

The Montreal Expos arrival in Montreal rekindled her love of baseball which she never lost. The sound of the radio broadcast of Expos games was a summer constant around the house and when the Expos quit Montreal she embraced the Blue Jays.

In her 70’s she began a tradition of mother/daughter canoe trips in Algonquin Park. These trips created memories that would make her laugh till she cried, often.

As an animal lover, Mum was often surrounded by family pets who always chose Mum as their person. Even in the Residence Mum had a guinea pig that everyone adored.

Much gratitude to Amanda, Gavin, Emma, Leslie, Cheryl, Miranda, Debbie, Emily, Preet and Skye and the rest of the staff and residents of James St Retirement Residence who filled her final chapter with community and care. And thanks to Beth, Lisa, Leo, Taj (AKA Bart), Lovedeep, Mark, Ashley and Riza, the awesome team who cared for her in her last year with grace and love.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Andy’s House in Port Carling, the Muskoka Conservancy or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.