Ann was born in 1859, the youngest child of Norman MacKillop and Catherine MacCusbic of Lamerick. 

She became a domestic servant, working for grieve Neil MacDonald for a time. In 1885 she married tailor Archibald MacLeod, originally from 5 Balmartin.  They were to have seven children together, making their home and running their business at a new house at Pol an Oir. By 1891 Ann was working as a tailoress, and in 1911 as a wool spinner.

Her grandson Donald MacKillop, recalls on page 58 of his book Coille an Fhàsaich that:

'She .. was a small woman, but she was very hardy.'