Obituary of Anne Zacharias

Anne Zacharias passed away with family at her bedside on May 28, 2019 at the age of 87 years.

Mom was born December 15, 1931 on the family farm at Hopefield, SK. She was the 3^rd youngest of 11 children born to Elizabeth (Remple) and Jacob Thiessen. Mom loved telling us stories about farm life, caring for her younger siblings Mary and Peter and her little nephew Jake. She loved going to the small country school, grades 1 to 9, at Blumenhof and competing with her cousin Corny Unger. Even at a young age, she had beautiful handwriting and her Dad, as Executor for his family, often had her prepare multiple estate documents. No photocopiers in those days! On November 2, 1952 she married Pete Zacharias of McMahon and after farming for a few years they bought the Husky Service in Morse. Mom was a quick study and was soon made chief bookkeeper; she kept her meticulous ledger skills throughout her life. Foremost she was “our mom”, and after school we often came home to the delicious aroma of cinnamon rolls freshly baked bread, pies and yummy meals. From the late 60’s to early70’s she owned and operated a small café at Pangman, SK. The regular patrons soon came to love her cooking as much as we did.

After selling the café, Mom began her career of caregiving for special needs adults and children. She was Manager of Claire Parker House in Regina for several years before finally semi-retiring in Lethbridge and continuing to care for two lovely ladies, Leanne and Teresa who moved with her from Regina. In Lethbridge she quickly recognized the need for more social activities for special needs adults and started the New Connections social group. She was very proud of the success of the “New Connections”, growing to over 140 members in a few short years. Mom loved gardening, especially growing flowers and raspberries. On quiet evenings she would crochet beautiful doilies, spreads and she lost count of how many afghans she created. Mom was an avid bird watcher. Every spring she would watch for the Northern Flickers to arrive, but she loved owls the most. She was thrilled to hold “Mr. Bogle” a great horned owl on a visit to the Coaldale Bird of Prey Centre.

Losing most of her sight, as well as a failing memory, the last few years were difficult for her. Visits from her Family were highlights of her days at Sagewood Retirement community in Strathmore.

We will be forever grateful to Janet, Colleen, Anne and Mae from Kindred Companions for their commitment to brighten Mom’s days, singing her favorite hymns with her and TLC above and beyond. Thank you to Peanut Butter Lisa, Paramjeet, Abby, and all the staff of the Langdon wing at Sagewood for your patience and care throughout Mom’s 2 year stay.

Mom was predeceased by her parents, all her siblings except Mary, and her husband Pete in June 13, 1995.

Mom is lovingly remembered and survived by her sister Mary Lange (John) & Family of Mayorthorpe, AB; Sister-in-Law Iva (Ike) Thiessen & Family of Lethbridge; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; her Children: Joyce (Garry) Curtis of Calgary, Greg Zacharias (Anne-Marie) of Ponoka, Al Zacharias (Teresa) of Coaldale, Terry Zacharias (Crystal) of Regina, and Julie Zacharias of Calgary; her Grandchildren, Great & Great Great Grandchildren; as well as extended families of Grand & Great Grandchildren, Foster Children, & Children of her Heart, all were welcome at her kitchen table.