In Celebration of

Delliana Anstace Esmonde-White

December 9, 1919 -  August 13, 2016

Delliana Anstace Esmonde-White

Peacefully at her Kemptville residence, on Saturday August 13, 2016 at the age of 96. Widow of Laurence Esmonde-White. She is survived by her children; Robin, Patrick, Miranda and Oliver
, her grandchildren; Hans, Sahra, Camilla, Anna, Caroline, Francis, Emmett and Cybèle and great-grandchildren; Daphne, Amelia and Astian. Predeceased by her parents Alexandra Finch White and William Alexander Molony and her brother William A Molony.

Anstace was born at Broomfield, Dublin, Ireland.
 She graduated from Liverpool College for Young Ladies. 
During WW2 she worked at the Remount Depot, Melton Mowbray, England and in Cairo, Egypt for the Catholic Woman’s League. 
It was love at first sight when she and Larry met on a bridge in Ireland, she 12 and he 14yrs old.
 They married in Mosul, Iraq in 1944! Theirs was a very happy marriage, full of adventure.

After the war Anstace joined Larry in Alberta, where they began their new Canadian life ... finally settling in Kemptville, Ontario. It was there that Anstace and Larry became international gardening celebrities, hosting gardening shows on CJOH in Ottawa, CBC nationally and PBS internationally on “From a Country Garden” for 17 years. Anstace is the author of two successful gardening books which remain ‘go to’ texts for anyone growing vegetables.

Anstace and Larry have received several Canadian and American awards for their work as speakers, authors and television hosts. 
Anstace is hugely admired and will be sorely missed by her family and innumerable friends and fans.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Guestbook 

(5 of 11)

Lynn Ashton (Home Support Worker)

Entered August 15, 2016 from North Gower

Farewell to an amazing lady.

Catherine Willis-O'Connor (family friend)

Entered August 18, 2016 from Ottawa

Dear all E-W's,
I had a wonderful relationship with your mother. Lots of chats and laughs, and of course great recounts of family gatherings. Antace always wore a smile. She was a special friend and one I will always cherish.
Much love to you all.
xxoo twink

Maggie Sutrov (Willis -O'Connor (Family friend)

Entered August 18, 2016 from Maui, Hawaii

I have the most fondest memories of Val David, playing "Are you there, Moriarty?" and Larry, in another room, lying on his back under the carpet with ski goggles and a ski hat on his feet as we would, one by one, whisper to the goggles our three big questions. Anstace would create the mood with candle light and coax us to crouch closer to the one who Knows, but it is a secret about what was to follow.
And if winter fun was not enough, the Thousand Islands summer fun ensued.
Anstace and Jackie composed a song, "Garbage,garbage in the sun, garbage left by everyone." She painted our names on the water glasses with nail polish. And we were responsible for washing our own glass. She was very organised. But with four adults, seven children and four dogs, it made sense.
I am so blessed to have had such childhood adventures with this family and am grateful that I was able to visit with Anstace once again a few summers ago.
Robin, Patrick, Miranda, and Oliver, may you live every day to the fullest as your mum did.

Mike Willis-O'Connor (Family friend)

Entered August 21, 2016 from Kingston Ontario

Anstance always had a intelligent,humble,humorous,industrious attitude.She never wasted time and had energy for any task.She made sure they were completed in a professional manner through planning,estimating,and compassion.She was bold by trying new ventures with a positive attitude.She always had time to listen to others with a constructive attitude.She was a "doer" and had little patience for those that were not.She was a role model and someone to take seriously. EXCELLENT!

Virginia Glover (Friend)

Entered August 22, 2016 from Brockville

I first met Anstace about 25 years ago when I took my mother, visiting from Ireland, to explore the Esmond-White gardens. Anstace was hugely hospitable, and we spent several hours over tea making connections, and comparing life experiences. I always relished the time I spent with her, and was stimulated by her vigour, even as recently as last fall. I consult her veggie gardening book regularly, if only to feel the lift of her beautiful smile on the cover. Sincere condolences to Robin, supportive tea maker, and all the family.

Photos 

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