10/13/2026
Notice of Ann Oakley's passing written by Cathy Lorraway
It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Ann Oakley, a beloved Oakville artist, lifelong learner, and passionate painter of the landscape. Ann was remarkable artist who was still painting, learning and exhibiting in her 91 st year—a testament to her extraordinary curiosity, discipline and love of art. She never seemed to stop learning, and she approached painting with the same enthusiasm and perseverance that she brought to life.
Ann especially loved painting en plein air. She loved being outdoors with her pastels, responding directly to the landscape and capturing the light, colour and character of a place.
Just as important to her was the companionship that came with painting. She treasured her artistic kindred spirits and the friendships she made along the way—whether with fellow artists
at Joshua Creek Heritage Centre (now Joshua Farm Gallery), members of the Burlington Fine Art Sketch group, the Oakville Art Society, local plein air painters, or her friends in her book
club. She loved learning, laughter and being part of a community.
Ann’s artistic journey was remarkable. In Montreal, she studied in high school under the renowned artist Ethel Seath. She later studied with John Lyman at McGill University and with Arthur Lismer and Guido Molinari at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Her passion for learning also took her overseas. In Madrid, Spain, she worked with Dimitri Perdikidis, and in London, England, she attended the Sir John Cass School of Art and the Camden Institute and became involved with the Hampstead Arts Council.
Her education continued throughout her life. Back in Ontario, she took courses at Sheridan College, Haliburton School of the Arts, Joshua Creek Studio and the Dundas Valley School of
Art. Her paintings also carried the influence of many teachers and mentors, including the late Catherine Gibbons, with whom she studied plein air painting, as well as Ursula Reeves, Margaret Evans, John Leonard and the late Ann Kelly Walsh.
Ann’s artistic accomplishments were extensive. Her pastel landscapes were regularly exhibited at the Joshua Farm Gallery in Oakville, and she exhibited internationally, nationally and locally
throughout her long career. As a member of the Free Painters and Sculptors, she exhibited at the Mall Galleries and Buckingham Gate Gallery in London, England. She also exhibited with Pastel Artists Canada, the Youme Gallery in Hamilton, Fieldcote Museum, Artworks Oakville, the Oakville Art Society and the Burlington Fine Art Association. She was also an annual
contributor to the Dundas Valley School of Art Auction.
Most recently, in 2025, she was juried into the Oakville Art Society’s Impressions Juried Art Show, and in 2023 she exhibited in The Magic of Pastels, a group exhibition at the Art Gallery of
Burlington. I was fortunate to exhibit alongside Ann in 2018 at Sovereign House in Bronte in Visions of Ontario: Recent Landscapes. I remember thinking at the time that it felt like I was exhibiting with Emily Carr! Ann’s artwork was that stunning. Her paintings had a wonderful atmosphere and light, with confident mark making that came from decades of sketching and
plein air painting.
But while Ann’s artistic accomplishments were considerable, it is Ann herself whom I will remember most. She was generous, kind, funny, and a pleasure to exhibit with. Her enthusiasm
for art never seemed to diminish despite her physical challenges and her battle against cancer.
She reminded all of us that exploring our creativity is a lifelong journey. Her paintings will continue to remind us of the landscapes she loved, but those who knew her will remember something even more lasting: her generosity of spirit, her curiosity, her humour and herunwavering love of art.
Ann, you will be greatly missed. Rest peacefully, dear Ann.
Cathy Lorraway
Obituary notice from family
https://www.smithsfh.com/memorials/frances-oakley/5750115/
