Ann Samels Duncan (nee Zuk)

Ann SAMELS DUNCAN (nee ZUK) passed away peacefully at the impressive age of 100 surrounded by her loving family in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.

Ann was born in the Portage Hospital on May 9th, 1923. She married Murray Samels in 1942 and they lived happily together for 43 years. They bought their first house on 1st St. N.W. and all four children were born at the Portage Hospital. Murray worked for CN Railway and in 1952, he was transferred to Burns Lake, BC and Ann followed shortly by train with four kids in tow. Next, the family moved to Hudson, ON, then Yorkton, SK and finally in 1955, the family was transferred back to Portage. Together, they built their home on 8th St. N.E. of which she was so proud. Ann was an excellent seamstress sewing most of her children’s clothes and more impressively, Barb, Karen, and Judy’s wedding dresses. She also worked for a time at the Manitoba Developmental Center clothing department. A few years later, the couple started their own business and Ann managed The Corner Store on Saskatchewan Ave E. It was also around that time the couple took up golfing, a sport Ann would love for many years. Ann was a supportive member of her church.

Both Ann and Murray were actively involved in the Prosvita Hall by serving on the Board in various positions including being President of the Prosvita Women’s Club. When Murray retired at 55, they bought a travel trailer and made their way to Mesa, AZ for the winters until 1985 when Murray passed away. The family encouraged her to continue spending the winters as a snowbird and a few years later, while Ann was president of the Mesa Singles’ Club, she met Scott Duncan and they were married in 1990. The two moved to Weslaco, TX and enjoyed travelling and making their yearly rounds visiting family in Arizona, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ohio. When Scott passed away in 2002, Ann continued to live in Texas and would come to Portage each summer to visit her family. In 2013, when Ann was 90, she decided to move home to Portage permanently. She was able to enjoy weddings and other family events including the addition of her five great-great grandchildren.  Ann lived a very full life and was glowing and joking until her final days. Many people would comment on her youthful appearance and exceptional cooking, and she was very proud of reaching the age of 100 and 7.5 months. 

Ann had a great sense of humour and a memory like no other, especially to share stories with her 20+ grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.  Ann is predeceased by her first husband Murray Samels, the father of her four children; second husband, Scott Duncan; daughter, Barbara Sanderson; sons-in-law, Bryan Sanderson, Dale Braden, and Ken Gushel; grandson, Bryan Sanderson Jr.; parents, Theodore and Katherine Zuk; and sisters, Pearl Monk and Mary Navarro.

She leaves to mourn her daughters, Karen Braden and Judith Gushel; son, Robert Samels (Therese); grandchildren, Tracey Taylor (Andy), Mattie Braden (Troy), Robert Braden (Heather), Charlotte Mason (William), Darcy Gushel, Danielle Samels (Dan), and Renee Samels (Jesse); and members of Scott’s immediate and extended family. She also leaves behind to mourn her amazing legacy of great grandchildren, David Taylor (Kelsey), Richard Taylor (Jen), Sydney Taylor (Damian), Suzie Mason (Layne), Alyssa Mason (Braeden), Les Mason, Adrie and Drew Hickman, and Bailey Croft (James) and Samantha Croft (Dmitri); and great-great grandchildren, Henry, Holden, Rose, Evelynn and Dean.

A celebration of Ann’s life will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Saturday, April 27 at 1:00pm. Family interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery.  The service will be livestreamed.  You can view by registering at the link below. 

Those wishing to make a donation in her memory can do so to Central Plains Cancer Services, 318 Saskatchewan Avenue E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8; or Douglas Campbell Lodge Foundation c/o Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524-5th St. S.E., Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3A8; or to a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021