ANNE JEAN WESTRA

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ANNE JEAN WESTRA

Anne Jean Westra passed away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital on May 11, 2024, after a brief illness.

She is survived by her children, Tom (Lynda), Diane Westra-Hanaback, Harmen Jr. (Cindy), Andrew (Laura Saward), Joe (Leatta), Cathryn Harrison (Reid), Christina (Mike Rey); 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; many nieces; nephews; goddaughter Andrea Rohatyn; her siblings, Joseph Miklovich and Chuck Miklovich (Kathy). She was predeceased by her husband Harmen Sr. (Harry); her parents, Maria and Joseph Miklovich; son-in-law Murry Hanaback; and her siblings, Mike, Josie Hittel, Walter, John, Fran Hansen, and Mary.

Anne was born May 21, 1935, in Pobedim, Czechoslovakia, the fifth of nine children. She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1938, her early school years growing up on farms in the Interlake region assisting with the many chores. In 1949, her father moved to Ontario and Anne, her mother and four younger siblings relocated to a home on Lorne Avenue in Winnipeg.

At the age of 14, she was forced to leave school to work various jobs in order to care for and support her ailing mother and younger siblings. She had many dreams – being a cowboy, a policeman, an athlete (Homerun Annie was her baseball nickname), and a musician. It was in these years that she learned the skill that absolutely nothing went to waste.

She obtained various jobs including with the Richardson’s, and Eaton’s, where she would meet Harry at the New Year’s Eve party in 1957. They were married in 1958 after a brief courtship, and the two were inseparable until his passing in 2017.

Anne sold Avon for over 65 years, many as a President's Club member, and also as a top 10 sales rep. It initially started as a means to help support her large family, but in these last years, it became more a hobby and extension to her helping others, which she accomplished through offering discounts, baking cookies, and her generous spirit in providing however she was able for those in need.

Anne was very dedicated to her family, caring for her parents, in-laws, children, and grandchildren. She enjoyed attending every family sporting event and music performance. She loved music and was self-taught in guitar, harmonica, and piano, and ensured her children had the opportunity to discover that love as well.

Anne loved the yearly family vacations by car to the West Coast, taking her children and other family members to stop in Calgary, the Okanogan, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island, to visit family and friends. She particularly loved the Rockies. Those travels included a memorable trip by train to the West Coast.

She was an amazing cook and her generosity and ability to stretch a food budget helped bind her family together. She always had dinner for anyone who dropped by, cookies in the jar, and care packages for many friends and neighbours. Her poppy seed rolls were a treasured gift, and she was known for her amazing cabbage rolls, angel food cake, Rice Krispie treats, gingerbread and chocolate chip cookies. More recently, family would come over to cook for her to continue the tradition of sharing daily meals, often hosting the large family holiday gatherings.

It is hard to put into words the true impact of a life well lived, but these cherished memories and her generous spirit will remain in our hearts forever.

Special thanks to the nurses and staff of St. Boniface Hospital for their care and compassion.

Cremation has taken place, a service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 20, at Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Ave. with interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Simple Cremation & Life Celebrations

204-421-5501

Tributes: EthicalDeathCare.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 01, 2024, Jun 01, 2024