barbara anne alexander
(irish, nee woods)
May 11, 1941 - March 17, 2026
I pray those left behind may see the Earth a better place than when I left it for 'the better place' promised by the Word of God... to receive an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for me (1 Peter 1:4)
A 4th Generation Victorian & Woman of Faith
The story of the Irvine's doesn’t just end with the pioneers in the 1800s; it flows directly through the generations until it finds its heart in the life of Anne Alexander, the woman known as "Grannie Annie." If the story of John and Jessie was one of breaking the ground, Anne’s story is about keeping the faith and tending the roots they planted.
Born nearly a century after that first ship, the Tory, dropped anchor in 1851, Anne grew up in a Victoria that had transformed from a mud-streaked fort into a garden city. But the "Irvine" in her was unmistakable. She carried that 4th-generation pride like a quiet badge of honor. To her, the streets of Saanich and the shores of the Island weren't just geography, they were a family map.
While John and Jessie were busy donating land for churches and clearing Rose Bank Farm, Anne was the one who lived out the values they brought from the Orkney Islands. She was the bridge between the rugged pioneer past and the modern world.
She grew up hearing the echoes of "Long Gun Jack" and the stories of the wild roses at the farm, but she turned those legends into a life of practical kindness. Her journey was its own kind of "pioneer" path, navigating 84 years of change with a steady grace that would have made Jessie Irvine proud.
Just as the early Irvines opened their farmhouse living room for the first church services in Saanich, Anne made her life a sanctuary for others. Her faith wasn't just a Sunday activity; it was the same rhythm of her ancestors - steady, grounded, and resonant.
When she passed on March 17, 2026, she didn't just leave behind a family tree; she left a finished chapter in a book that started in 1851. She was the keeper of the Irvine spirit, a woman who knew exactly where she came from and spent her life making sure the next generation knew it too.
The spirit of “grannie annie”
Grannie Annie went where life took her. She was a free spirit who found joy in the simple, beautiful things: her lush gardens, the peace of Yellowpoint Lodge, and her cherished swims in the ocean from as early as May until as late as October. She met life’s twists and turns with grace and a legendary resilience. As her dear friend Shirley always said, "I’m not going to worry about you, you always land on your own two feet!"
That same loyal spirit was perhaps best captured in her devotion to her four-legged companions. Over the years, Annie was rarely seen without her signature Multipoo Terrier at her side, a lineage of three nearly identical dogs she affectionately named Tippy, Tippy Too, and Mr. Tippy. To Annie, if something was good and true, it was worth holding onto, generation after generation.
Her greatest joy was found in service. For years, she volunteered at Camp Qwanoes, a place of prayer and lifelong memories for thousands of children. This passion for the next generation extended into her professional life, where she worked across public and private school districts, always holding a special place in her heart for children facing difficult circumstances. Her home was as open as her heart; alongside her family, she hosted children from Mexico for several summers through Intercambio.
Annie’s career was as varied and vibrant as her interests. She began her journey at Woolco before transitioning into the world of finance, serving as an office administrator and bookkeeper for major construction firms. Her creative drive led her to operate a custom lampshade business, 'The Shady Lady', and even manage her own clothing and T-shirt shop.
Ever the social butterfly, she later enjoyed the lively atmosphere of the Royal Roads University cafeteria before returning to her roots in bookkeeping until her retirement at 69.
Within her community, she was a true leader, "going through the chairs" to serve as President and Past President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Duncan, BC.
Today, Grannie Annie leaves behind a heart full of love and a legacy of resilience. She has paved the path and now passes the torch to the next generation, trusting them to build on her foundation and reach for the highest prize. Her final message remains a guiding light:"Believe. There is a better place, and you too will get there. Seek and ye shall find."
Generations of Love
Predeceased by her parents, Percival George Woods and Elizabeth Adelaide Barnes; brother, Bill Woods; sister, Sheila and husband Joe Kingcott; niece, Debbie Sherwood; nephew, Bradley Kingcott; and former husbands, Don Irish and Tom Alexander.
Grannie Annie leaves behind in love:
Daughter Morgan Irish (Ara Sagherian), grand-children Alex and Ben Sagherian, Ian (Brittany) Walsh, Mark (Patrice) Walsh, Rachael (Chris) Seeley, and great-grand-children Billy, Lyra, Seren, Casey, Loki, Willow, and Cullen.
Son Kelly Irish (Kari Bailey), grand-children Ashley (Ryan) Service, Melissa Irish (Braydon Kellett), Arly Irish, Reann Callow and great-grand-children Austin, Peyton, Stella, Kaliah, Gavin and Owen.
Daughter Tricia Irish and grand-child Dylan Burton.
Son Tom (Paulina) Alexander, grand-children Matthew (Brina Atkinson), Stephanie, Mackenzie, Morgan and great-grand-child Garet.
Special nephew George (Angela) Kingcott and family, of whom she held fond memories. She also leaves behind many other nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her "Lunch Bunch" amazing friends from her school days who stayed in touch for more than 70 years, and many helpful family members, friends, and faith friends who supported her through her toughest days. Thank you, Lord, and bless all their kind hearts.
