Much-loved Cancer Research charity worker Ann Hilson, 75, has sadly passed away at her home in Airdrie.
Ann, who was born and brought up in Armadale, began her career as a hairdresser in the 1960s.
She married her husband Jim, who was an engineer in 1964, and the devoted couple had their first daughter Jacquie and moved to Airdrie in 1970 when their second child Carol was born.
Ann was widowed in her 30s when Jim sadly died in 1983. She then went on to run a bed and breakfast from their home in Bore Road.
After that she worked in Goldberg’s department store in the town's South Bridge Street for many years, where she made many friends with colleagues and customers.
She then worked in Orrs department store in Airdire, running the kilt hire department and offering a personal service to her clients, which was much appreciated by all.
Ann joined Cancer Research UK in Bank Street as manager, and rose to the challenge of increasing its fundraising targets.
She and her team were often featured in the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser celebrating various fundraising events.
She met her partner John while he was volunteering at the shop and they shared their lives since.
Ann was the life and soul of her shop, making everyone laugh and went out of her way to make others feel happy. and loyal customers became loyal friends.
She retired when she was 65 and enjoyed the last decade in Airdrie, having holidays in the sunshine and visiting her family.
She also made friends with the local wildlife in her garden and took great joy in feeding the foxes, hedgehogs and birds each night.
She died suddenly at home on June 22, aged 75.
She leaves a big hole in the lives of her partner John, her daughters Jacquie and Carol, sons-in-law, David and Graham, and her adored and adoring grandchildren, Lee, Ben, Rory, Kyle, Jenny and Aidan.
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