Dear friends in Algoma,

We are saddened to announce that Nora Derbyshire, darling mom of Archbishop Anne, has died in South Africa the evening of November 23^rd.  She was at home surrounded by her loving family and the many prayers of those who cared for her.

We are thankful that +Anne was able to be at her mom’s side this last week and a half and pray that some of those special memories made over this recent time will help to sustain her in this time of great loss.

+Anne writes:  “Our hearts are broken but we rejoice that she is at rest in that place of eternal light and peace.”

We offer our condolences to the Derbyshire family and uphold them in prayer as they prepare to celebrate a life well lived.

We will provide updates on funeral arrangements once they are received.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.  Matthew 5:4

UPDATE

Funeral arrangements:  11 am on Friday 2nd December at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Craighall Park with Fr. Shawn officiating. That is 4am EST.

A Zoom link will be sent out to anyone wishing to attend online.  Please connect with Liz Hamel at the Synod Office via e-mail liz.hamel@dioceseofalgoma.com

Anyone wishing to make a donation in Nora’s memory may contribute to the Diocese of Algoma Episcopal Endowment Fund (619 Wellington Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON CAN  P6A 2M6) or to a soup kitchen in your neighborhood, which is where mom would often be found.

From +Anne…

The last prayer we said with mom on Wednesday night-

Watch, dear Lord, with those who wake, or watch or weep tonight, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ.

Rest your weary ones.

Bless your dying ones.

Soothe your suffering ones,

Pity your afflicted ones.

And all for your love’s sake:

Amen.

Helen, Paul and I are deeply grateful for the prayers that have been offered for our family during this difficult time, and for the emails, text messages with words of support that have brought great comfort to us all.

Above all we give glory to God for the gift of our mother and for all God has done through her life, faith and witness.

With much love,

+Anne