2 July 1920 - 2 February 2022

Written by Ann's son, John

Ann Musters was born in London and in 1932 the family moved to Winchester, where she attended St Swithun’s School.

On the outbreak of war Ann joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service and it was while serving that she met her future husband, John, a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy. Ann and John were married in September 1943 in Winchester Cathedral by her uncle, the Archbishop of York (who had been Bishop of Winchester until the previous year).

After the war and through the birth of their four children between 1947 and 1955, Ann and John had many house moves during John’s continuing naval career before returning to Hampshire and settling in Stockbridge in 1964. For the next quarter century they were involved in many aspects of village life, especially concerning the local church, and they lovingly tended a large and productive garden.

By the late 1980s, with their children dispersed, Ann and John realised the house and garden had become too large for their needs. So in 1990 they had a complete change of scene by moving to Nelson, New Zealand to join their two daughters who had emigrated in the preceding years. There they found great happiness in a healthy and welcoming environment, keeping themselves active for many years.

Shortly before John’s death in 2013 they moved into a retirement village outside Nelson. Ann stayed on there as a much loved resident and celebrated her 100th birthday in 2020. She retained her links with St Swithun’s and the WRNS and enjoyed receiving their newsletters and magazines. Though physically frail, Ann retained a sharp mind and a lovely sense of humour. Sadly she had a bad fall in January 2022 and died on 2nd February aged 101.