Anne Mary (MacLellan) Gunning

In Loving Memory of Anne (Mary) Gunning (née MacLellan) (1930 – 2025)

Anne (Mary) Gunning (née MacLellan) passed away peacefully on Friday, May 9, 2025, at St. Joseph's at Fleming in Peterborough, Ontario, in her 95th year.

She will be deeply missed by her son, Christopher James, and daughter-in-law, Laura (née von Haeseler), along with her cherished grandchildren: Liam James, Moira Elizabeth, and Neilan Peter. Anne is also fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews across Canada and the United Kingdom, particularly in her beloved home province of Nova Scotia.

Anne was predeceased by her devoted husband, Peter James Gunning, with whom she shared 53 loving years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her siblings: Catherine, Alec, Josephine, Sarah-Agnes, John, Donald, and Lillian.

Born in New Waterford, Cape Breton in 1930, Anne spent her early years in Inverness, growing up in the close-knit community of Deepdale. After graduating from the New Waterford School of Nursing in 1955, she relocated to Toronto in 1956 to begin a career in medical imaging. She went on to serve as a dedicated radiation technologist specializing in mammography at Women’s College Hospital, where she worked for 46 years until her retirement in 2003.

Anne took great pride in her work, which contributed to significant advancements in early breast cancer detection at a time when mammography was transforming cancer research and women's healthcare. Her professional legacy continues to impact lives today.

Although her career and much of her life were centered in Toronto, Anne’s heart always remained in Cape Breton. Her happiest moments were spent in Deepdale, sharing stories over tea with loved ones and embracing the warmth of her community.

Above all, Anne found her greatest joy in being a mother and grandmother. She considered raising her son and watching her grandchildren grow to be her life’s most meaningful accomplishment.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at St. Joseph’s at Fleming for the care and kindness they provided during Anne’s final days.

A celebration of Anne’s life and her burial will take place at a later date in Inverness, Cape Breton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Anne’s memory may be made to Women’s College Hospital:
https://womenscollegehospitalfoundation.com