Peterborough Mourns Passing of Former City Councillor Ann Farquharson at 68
/Former Peterborough City Councillor and local volunteer Ann Farquharson has passed away at 68 years of age.
Photo courtesy of Highland Park Funeral Centre.
She passed away peacefully in her home while sleeping on Monday.
Farquharson earned her B.A. (Hons.) from Trent University in 1981 and her L.L.B. from the University of British Columbia in 1984. She was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 1985 and to the Bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1986. As a lawyer, she began practicing law in Peterborough in 1986 as a partner with Farquharson Daly (now known as Farquharson Law). She also acted as Human Rights Advisor at Trent University from 2000 to 2006.
The City of Peterborough flew the flag at half-mast in honour of Farquharson on Tuesday. She was a Town Ward Councillor who served on City Council from 2006 to 2010.
Mayor Jeff Leal released the following statement:
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ann Farquharson, a former City Councillor and a dedicated advocate for our community. Ann served the people of Peterborough with integrity and an unwavering commitment to making life better for others. Her leadership, her thoughtful voice at the Council table, and her years of service left a meaningful and lasting impact on our city.
Beyond her time as an elected official, Ann was an active and passionate community supporter, always working to strengthen the places and organizations she cared about. She will be remembered for her generosity, her spirit, and her steadfast belief in building a stronger Peterborough.
On behalf of City Council and the residents of our community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ann’s family, friends, and all who were touched by her remarkable life and contributions.”
As an avid volunteer, Farquharson served on more than 30 boards and committees, including:
President, Peterborough Law Association
Board member, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough (and a Big Sister for five years)
Director, Five Counties Children’s Centre
Provincial appointee to the Board of Governors, Peterborough Civic Hospital, where she chaired the Public Relations and Finance Committees
Founding member, Women’s Health Care Centre
Board member, C.H.A.N.G.E.S.
Board member, Fourth Line Theatre Company
President, Peterborough Chapter of the Trent Alumni Association
Board member, Peterborough Theatre Guild, Festival of Lights (Musicfest), Fairhaven Foundation
Member, Save the Market Hall Committee; Peterborough Youth Commission; Peterborough Centennial Celebration Committee
Chair, Citizens Advisory Panel on Flood Planning
Member, Veterans Wall of Honour Working Committee
Sponsorship Chair, Peterborough Flood Relief Concert Committee
Member of YMCA Fundraising Cabinet
Member of Women United (United Way)
Board member, Women’s Resources (current)
United Way Cabinet member (current)
