Ann Calder Engh

Obituary

Ann Calder Engh passed into the presence of her Lord on Saturday, 6 December, at Springfield Bank Nursing Home, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, at the age of 87. Fully healed and restored, she now rejoices with her beloved husband, Timm; her daughter, Tracy; her parents, William and Robina Laidlaw; and her brother, Jack.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter and son-in-law, Sandiann and Ben Devaney; her sister, Margaret; her brother, Douglas; her niece, Gayle; and her nephews Douglas, Mark, Jack, and Martyn, along with their families. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Susan and Cynthia, and their children and grandchildren in the United States.

Born and raised in Sighthill, Ann’s early years were filled with movement and music. She was a gifted ballet dancer, performing with her dance school at the Usher Hall and the Pavilion in Princes Street Gardens. Her life took a new direction when she met and married an American serviceman, Timm. Together they built a life in the United States for 30 years, raising their two daughters while Ann wholeheartedly supported Timm’s career as a military officer and later his calling to ordained ministry.

In the early 1990s, Ann and Timm returned to Scotland and served together as a ministry team in the Scottish Episcopal Church in Melrose, Portobello, and, following retirement, Haddington.

Ann’s family affectionately called her the “Energizer bunny,” a name earned through her boundless energy, tireless work ethic, and unwavering commitment to others. She was frequently called upon at every level of the Church to lead hospitality efforts, creating warm, welcoming spaces wherever she went. Her true superpower was her gift of caring—she built community effortlessly, nurturing relationships and weaving people together.

Ann and Timm played a foundational role in bringing Cursillo in Christianity to Scotland and faithfully supported the movement in its early years. She also found joy in gardening and in creating beautiful stained-glass art, most of which she gave away as expressions of love.

We will celebrate her life at St. Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Church, Dalkeith, at 11am on Hogmanay (31 December).

Ann’s life was marked by devotion—to her faith, her family, and her communities. She will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Gallery

Memory wall

December 20, 2025

Ann you were a lovely friend, so many good memories, especially those spent on Iona, such good fun. You were also my sponsor for Cursello. RIP Ann 💕

Doreen Nicholson

December 12, 2025

May you fly high, Ann, job well done here on Earth. I didn’t know you well but the hours I spent with you were priceless. You certainly had a way of making lives richer. Rest in Peace. 💞💔🙏

Linda Garman

December 10, 2025

What a life this special lady lived. I’m so happy to have shared some of it with her from her and Timm’s time in St Marks Portobello, and in her later years, Rest in peace now Ann.

Patricia Cant

December 10, 2025

We had some fabulous times and a right good laugh, me and my Auntie Ann. I miss her.

Gayle Wylie