obituary – Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

Ann Featherstone was an editor like no other, but she was also my friend. She helped birth so many phenomenal children’s books, and I’m honoured that she helped to birth many of my own. Ann, when I write, I think of the lessons you taught me. Vichnaya Pamyat.

Ann Eloise Featherstone (Butler) 1953-2024 passed away on June 12, 2024 after a long and courageous journey with cancer. Ann was born in Oakville, Ontario and came to Victoria in 1971 where she studied English and Art History at UVIC. Ann lived a life of books and was one of the original “Munro’s Girls.” She worked at all the Munro’s Books locations and managed the Market Square Store. Ann came to specialize in children’s books and developed the children’s section at the Government St. store.

Ann moved into publishing in the early 1990s and over the next three decades shepherded over five hundred books into publication. She became one of the most well-loved children’s book editors in Canada and developed the children’s books lines for Orca Books, Fitzhenry and Whiteside, and co-founded Pajama Press. Ann leaves a lasting legacy of friendship with authors and illustrators and brought delight into the lives of countless children.

The title of her last book, A World of Kindness, perfectly captures her empathetic personality. She was adored by her husband of 47 years, Grenfell; daughter, Robin (Colin); sister, Pat (Jamie); brother, Rob (Twyla); and Frankie the polydactyl ginger tabby-cat. Ann was pre-deceased by her parents Mary and Tony Butler, and her brother David.

We cannot adequately thank Dr. Bernstein and Dr Masuda for their years of support, and Dr Adzich, the palliative care nurses, homecare workers, and the chemo ward nurses at the Cowichan Hospital all of whom treated Ann with gentleness and professionalism.

In lieu of flowers, please read to your kids!

Here are all of my Ann Featherstone books, spanning two publishers: