It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother,
Anne Siemens, who went home to the Lord, July 1, 2020. Anne was a kind and compassionate soul who had a natural ability for making her many friends and family feel how extra special they were to her.
Always generous with the biggest hugs, supportive and uplifting words as well as the occasional "dirty" joke. Born in Biggar, Saskatchewan, May 13, 1927 at the family homestead of Lydia and William Winsel, Anne was the fourth of eight children. She learned from an early age the importance of hard work and doing her part to keep the family healthy and strong during tight times in depression laden Saskatchewan.
Music and stories were a big part of the Winsel household. It was a happy home where all needs, but few wants were met. It was there during the cold isolated winters that Anne developed a love for music (piano, guitar, and accordion), even performing live on a local radio station, as well as playing at many prairie barn dances.
She continued to entertain her family, friends, and staff at Valley Haven well into her 93rd year. Anne has always abided by the golden rule, "Treat others as you wish to be treated". This would explain the many, many birthday cards and Christmas cards from numerous friends she has made over the years.
In 1952, Anne's first son Don was born. After her first marriage did not work out, Anne worked hard as a single parent to give her son a good life filled with adventure and lots of love. Anne and Don moved to Keremeos where she worked as a cook in a logging camp where they both enjoyed nature and the outdoors. She taught Don the same hard work ethic that was instilled in her. Don later went on through hard work and perseverance to play in the NHL. Don predeceased his mother in 2006. Anne and Don moved to Chilliwack in 1960, where she met and married Milton Siemens in 1961.
In 1962, Anne with Milton had a second son, Cal. They were married for 55 years before he passed in 2017. Anne worked for several years at the Empress Hotel where she formed many lasting friendships, as well as a collection of colourful, humorous stories she enjoyed telling. Paying it forward whenever the opportunity arose was a priority to Anne.
Many hair-challenged men and newborns throughout the Fraser Valley benefited from the countless toques and afghans Anne knit over the years. Our family will always remember the ice cream pails of cookies made with love that were sent along for every family holiday. In her downtime, Anne was active volunteering with the Chilliwack United Church, Salvation Army, and Sardis Baptist Church.
Mom leaves behind son Cal and Daughter-in-law Karin, 7 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to friends Elinor, Arlene, Carol, Warren, Betty, Shanna, and Pastor Rod Heppell for their amazing support and friendship through these last few years. Also, many thanks to Dr. Smith, Carly, Parm, Simran, Mandeep, Grace, and Bonnie of Valley Haven Care Facility for the gentle care they provided. A small celebration of life is planned for a later date.
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