Lost ‘Anne of Green Gables’ Doll Goes Viral — And It’s a Son’s Link to His Late Mother
What began as a lighthearted joke about a “haunted” thrift store doll has turned into a deeply emotional search for its creator’s family.
Social media users have dubbed the large red-braided doll “Anne of Scream Gables” after a Facebook photo of it—spotted at a Value Village in Sydney, Nova Scotia—went viral for its wide-eyed, uncanny look. The post joked that the $19.99 doll could “possibly murder you while you sleep,” drawing thousands of amused comments.
But for Nova Scotia artist Andrew Danylewich, the photo struck a very different chord. He instantly recognized the doll as one of his late mother’s creations—a piece she made nearly four decades ago.
“It was staring right at me on my feed,” said Danylewich, who runs ADJA Studio and Gallery in Liverpool, N.S. “I was shocked to see the piece my mom made like 40 years ago.”
His mother, Heather Danylewich, was an Ottawa-based soft sculpture artist who specialized in large-scale fabric works, including museum installations and government commissions. Among her notable works was a giant wampum bird created for the Royal Canadian Mint.
Andrew believes the Anne Shirley sculpture was crafted to mark the 75th anniversary of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel Anne of Green Gables. Because his mother’s medium was fabric, few of her creations have survived time and wear. Some of her known works remain preserved in Library and Archives Canada, including soft sculptures of Canadian prime ministers.
Sadly, when CBC News visited the Value Village store, the doll had already vanished, and staff couldn’t confirm where it went.
Despite the online mockery, Danylewich said he finds humor in it—while cherishing what the doll represents.
“The eyes have come a little loose, sure,” he said with a laugh. “But the smile—that’s my mom’s smile. That really hit me.”
He hopes to recover the doll and display it at his gallery, though he’s at peace if someone else has found joy in it.
“If someone’s going to love it, that’s great,” he said.
A viral thrift store post has thus turned into an unexpected tribute—a reminder that behind every forgotten piece of art, there may be a family still looking for it.
