Anna Mae Pardo

Anna Mae Pardo (nee Antaya), aged 86, peacefully passed away on November 3rd, 2023, at Riverview Gardens in Chatham, Ontario. Surrounded by her beloved husband and their six children and their spouses, Anna Mae left an indelible mark on all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Born in Chatham, Ontario on May 1st, 1937, Anna Mae spent her early years in Jeanette’s Creek before her family moved to Selkirk Street when she was five years old. At the age of 16, she relocated with her family to Stanley Avenue, shortly after meeting the love of her life. However, it was in 1955 that Anna Mae embarked on her greatest journey when she moved to Pardoville with her husband Doug, their shared dream coming to fruition.

Anna Mae’s beauty was not only external but also emanated from within. In 1954, she was crowned Queen of the Crystal Ball and left an everlasting impression on all those she met. Among them was Doug, whom she encountered 71 years ago at a Councillor’s Picnic in Rondeau. From that moment on, their love story unfolded through countless nights of dancing that never ceased.

Anna Mae was a remarkable woman who wore multiple hats with ease. Besides being a dedicated mother and wife, she also excelled as a business owner, talented marketer, baker, singer, comedienne, mimic, and devout Catholic. Her humble beginnings selling melons on the roadside eventually led to the establishment of Pardo Villa Acres in 1977, thanks to Doug and Anna Mae’s shared vision and determination.

While Anna Mae’s passion for the farm and the market was evident, her true calling was nurturing her family. She selflessly assumed the role of chief caretaker, school lunch maker, science project facilitator, and speech writing collaborator. As a result, her six children grew up to become happy, well-rounded individuals who continue to love and cherish her memory, passing on her remarkable legacy to their own children.

Anna Mae Pardo’s life was always illuminated by the love she shared with her husband Doug, along with the immense joy brought by her children: Rick & Michele Pardo, Ron & Colleen Pardo, Mary Beth & Mike Goetz, Paul & Judi Pardo, Melanie & George McTavish, and Jason & Ania Pardo. Her world became even brighter with the addition of 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Anna Mae is survived by her brother Robert Antaya. She was predeceased by her infant daughter, her parents Edward & Olive Antaya, and her siblings Leonard, Bernard, Nora, Loretta, and Donna. The visitation was held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday, November 5, 2023, followed by a Mass at St. Mary’s Church in Blenheim on Monday, November 6, 2023.

In honor of Anna Mae’s memory, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada and the Riverview Gardens Chatham, 5th Floor West, would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.