November 28, 2024

I am so sad to let you know that Ann Gyurmanzci unexpectedly passed away this past weekend.

So many of us within Karis knew Ann, given her broad experience and impact. Ann started in September 1992, and she and I met and started to work together in some capacity or another in 1998.

Most recently, Ann served as Executive Director in our South District in London. Before that, she helped to begin our services in Saskatchewan and served there both as Area Manager and Executive Director.

Ann’s commitment to Karis Global Partnerships, then known as Christian Horizons Global, was unwavering. Three examples (of many) illustrate her passionate commitment. First, as a volunteer, Ann led a team of volunteers on a two-trip effort to launch an inclusive camp experience in Armenia. This camp persisted long after Ann’s involvement.

Next, Ann volunteered with teaching trips to both Ukraine and Sri Lanka. In Ukraine, she helped local orphanages as they learned to better support people with disabilities to live there. In Sri Lanka, Ann helped local organizations as they supported people injured in the civil war that had just ended.

And third, Ann made a commitment to get 100 new sponsorships for Christian Horizons Global in one year. She met that goal.

Ann was a loving person who cared passionately about her family, friends, her colleagues, and the people she supported and for whom she advocated. She will be missed by many, including me.

Last year in October, Ann emailed a few of us to let us know she would be ending her working career due to illness. In the midst of the sadness of finishing long before she intended, she shared a Bible verse that meant a lot to her. I can’t say for sure that Ann would want me to close this announcement with the same verse, but I feel like she would. She overflowed with hope, and she brought hope to so many.

Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope.

If you have a memory or message you would like to share, please email me at dmilley@karis.org. I can gather them to share them with Ann’s family.

With deep condolences,

Dwayne Milley