McGuinness, Anne Elizabeth

Halifax, NS

November 1, 1952 - October 30, 2025

With heavy hearts, we share that Anne McGuinness — our extraordinary sister, mother, family member, and friend — passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Born in 1952 to John Clare and Margaret (née Allen) Cox, Anne grew up in Shelburne as the spirited middle child between her siblings John and Judith (both surviving). Though technically the “middle,” Anne quickly became the sibling-in-command — loving, protective, and full of life. She excelled in school and extracurriculars, yet never lost her mischievous spark. As a teenager, she could be found riding motorcycles with friends, sneaking cigarettes, and fully embracing the 1960s counterculture — long hair, flowing clothes, and an unwavering love for the Beatles and Leonard Cohen.

When her father fell ill, the family relocated to Halifax, where Anne completed her final years at Halifax West High School. She later attended Holland College, pursuing her passion for art and creating striking black-and-white ink drawings that captured figures, flora, and the stars above.

It was there that she met Keith McGuinness — the resident “bad boy” of the painting and sculpture department, with his Jim Morrison curls and brooding charm. The two were instantly drawn to each other, and before long, they married. After moving back to Halifax, Anne returned to school at Dalhousie University, earning degrees in English and Political Science.

In 1982, Anne and Keith welcomed their beloved daughter, Kathlene. Though their marriage eventually ended, their friendship and mutual affection endured for life.

As a single mother, Anne balanced parenthood with an impressive career, rising through the ranks to become a Senior Procurement Officer with the Department of National Defence at the Halifax Naval Dockyard. She led with compassion and integrity, caring deeply for her team both at work and beyond. Never one to stop learning, Anne later earned her Master’s degree in Public Administration from Dalhousie — all while working full time and raising her daughter.

After retiring in 2020, Anne embraced her creative passions once again. She began writing children’s stories and studying illustration, enjoyed lunches with former colleagues, and cherished offering wisdom and support to her daughter as she built her own business. She also served as Secretary on the Convoy Estates condo board until her diagnosis in October 2023.

But Anne was far more than the sum of her achievements. She was the heart of her family, the steady hand and listening ear for countless friends, and the embodiment of quiet strength and unconditional love. Her laughter, kindness, and grace will echo through every life she touched.

Anne’s light was singular — and though it has gone out in this world, it will forever illuminate the hearts of those who loved her.