Annemarie was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, the daughter of a Danish mother and a Dutch father. In keeping with tradition – there was nothing more important to her than family. She was loving and fiercely loyal to her five siblings.
Though she had many life paths from which to choose – when her son Richard was born the die was cast. She had a long and dedicated career with the BC Assessment Authority and worked and volunteered in the community, but it was all just a backdrop to her care and concern for Richard. Annemarie raised Richard on her own and somehow got him to all the baseball, basketball and soccer practices and games. Her home became a favorite hang out for Richard and his friends, and she became Mom #2 to several of them. She sent Richard to college in Washington State and supported his aspiration to join the RCMP.
Annemarie was beyond proud when Richard graduated from the RCMP program at Depot and even happier to know he was marrying Krista and there was a grandchild on the way. Granddaughter Alex was born and Grandma Annemarie put aside her fear of small planes and made repeated trips to Williams Lake to visit. When Roman followed two years later there were more visits and when the family moved to Ladysmith Annemarie retired and moved to Ladysmith to start her new career as a nanny.
As she always had in Victoria, Annemarie soon was friends with people she met at the bus top, the park, the grocery store and at the schools the kids attended. When stress and upheaval hit and their family splintered Annemarie did what she did best. She adjusted and opened her arms – Krista became one of her best friends. Richard’s second wife, Lee was welcomed as were her two children, Aiya and Mateo. Annemarie’s family just became bigger. In the hygge way she sought to bring everyone closer and make everything cozier.
Annemarie was the most generous and loving mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt and sister. She gave safe haven to all who needed it and shed so many tears for the sorrow and pain of others. When she passed away unexpectedly the world suddenly became a lesser place.
Left to mourn – son, Richard, granddaughter Alexandra, grandson Roman, Alex and Roman’s Mom and Annemarie’s good friend, Krista; Richard’s wife, Lee, Lee’s children, Aiya and Mateo; Annemarie’s brother Piet (Wendy) and sisters Brigitte (Sture), Benthe, Jo Ann (Bruce and Keely) and Susan; her stepmother, Evelyn. Also, many friends, grocery store clerks, bus stop patrons, posties and every dog she ever saw.
Vi elsker dig, Annemarie!
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