Obituaries

ANNA BETA HOPPE (nee HOLSCHEN) With tears of sadness, I announce the passing of my mother, Anna Beta Hoppe (Oma), on Friday evening, August 10, 2012, at Jocelyn House Hospice, after a 4+ year battle with cancer. Anna was 77 years young, a character, a tad bit feisty and definitely a force to be reckoned with. Her positive attitude and belief that she could battle this horrible disease, and all that goes with it, was quite simply…amazing. She would always say I’m not giving up! , and she didn’t. Unfortunately her strength of body decided not to match her will. She fought so hard to stay with us. She was adamant that she wanted to stay in her own home as long as possible, and she did, until July 24 when she moved into Jocelyn House Hospice, in order to receive the full-time care that she needed. Anna will be forever in our hearts and lovingly remembered by her daughter, Rosel (Tim); grandson Tyler (whom she absolutely adored); brother Hinrich (Adeline); nephew Herman (Susan); great-nephew Steve (Olena) and great-niece Samantha. She will also be remembered by her brother Diedrich and relatives in Germany. She was predeceased by her parents Diedrich and Adeline Beta; sisters Gesine and Adeline and by her husband Ludwig, in 2001. On October 14, 1934 Anna was born in Tarmstedt, Germany. At the young age of 18, she came to Canada. Shortly thereafter, she met and married my father all within four months (she knew he was the one!). Anna worked as a nanny; at Nanking Restaurant and Perth’s dry cleaning Plant on Portage Avenue. Her greatest joy, upon taking an early retirement, was to open a home daycare. Her love of children, and the way they responded to her care and nurturing, including my own son, are reflected in the people they are today. Her gentle soul and caring nature also extended to animals. Anna enjoyed sitting on her front stoop feeding the chipmunks, delighting when their trust had them eating right out of her hand. Much to my chagrin, and I am sure her neighbours as well, she would also feed the crows and hence she was known around the neighbourhood as the crow lady , a label she didn’t mind just one little bit…she always said they have to eat too! . Our pets loved her, especially our dogs, and would go ballistic at the words Oma is coming over . Probably because when Oma babysat them, she prepared actual meals for them, took them for like 50 walks a day and talked to them constantly…and when we would go pick them up? They didn’t want to come back home with us. Anna loved her bowling; gambling trips to the States and Club Regent with Frieda; vacations to Cuba, Mexico and Hawaii with Margaret; puttering and planting flowers in her yard; playing cards, Wrestling on TV or going to live matches, Jerry Springer, but above all else she loved her family. She was always very generous, ready to help out and would do whatever she could to make our lives easier and better. On Thursday, August 16, 2012 a Celebration of Anna’s Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Memories in Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel, 1020 Main Street at Manitoba Avenue. A private family Interment will take place in St. Vital Cemetery, 236 River Road. Thank you to all my mom’s friends, neighbours, bowling buds and All Road Tours gambling group, who through the years ran errands with and for her; popped in for a visit or just phoned to see how her day was. You always looked out for her, checked on her and helped whenever needed. A special thank you to Kay, who usually called my mom every morning and every evening just to make sure she was alright. I am extremely grateful for such a supportive group of absolutely wonderful people. A Thank you is also extended to Dr. Czaykowski, Dr. Gordon, Dr. Ogaranko, Denise and Elvira (her CancerCare team); Dr. Sutherland; Dr. Yaffe; Ostomy Clinic Team; St. Boniface Geriatric Day Hospital Staff with special thanks to Jennifer and; Palliative and Home Care Team with special thanks to Kate and Mandy. Thank you also to Jocelyn House Hospice staff with special thanks to Holly, Pat, Rose Marie and to Danielle who was with my mom when she passed. While caring for my mom, if she ever told you that you were an angel , please know that you were very special to her. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Anna’s memory may be made to CancerCare, Jocelyn House Hospice, Children’s Hospital, Winnipeg Humane Society or a charity of your choice. Mom, When the wind blows, I will know you are near, And when the raindrops fall Ever so gently, I will know that you miss not only us But all that was before And when the sun shines so warmly upon my face, I will know you are smiling down at me Happy and at now at peace. – Rosel Mom, you are an angel ….   As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on August 15, 2012