ANNE ELIZABETH OESTREICH

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ANNE ELIZABETH OESTREICH

June 22, 1945 - October 24, 2023

On October 24, 2023, the world lost a bright light. Anne Elizabeth Oestreich, beloved wife of Heinz Oestreich and cherished mother of Michael (Janet, Ryan, Laura, Jacqueline, Robert), Grainne (Stefano, Giuseppe, Massimo, Alesandro), Karen (Darren, Olivia, Leyna) and Klaus (Lynn, Rhys, Daniel, Oliver, Julia) passed away peacefully, with her loved ones by her side. Anne was predeceased by her parents, Josephine and James, sister Colette, infant brother, and Ryan’s mother Kelly.



Anne was born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She rose above the challenges of the times, finding strength and wisdom from her own personal loss, to get an education and become a positive force of nature. Following the death of her loving sister Colette, and her parents each a few years later, Anne immigrated to Canada in November of 1967. Anne settled first in Winnipeg and started working for the TD Bank. In 1969 Anne was transferred to TD Bank's Thompson branch. It was in Thompson that Anne met Heinz and they were married in December of 1970. Anne and Heinz lived and raised their family in Thompson for 30 years. Those years were incredibly rewarding for Anne. Anne left TD Bank to work for Manitoba Hydro, working there for over 25 years until her retirement in 2000. After her retirement, Anne and Heinz escaped the extreme cold and snow to beautiful and warm West Kelowna, where they lived for 18 years. Community was extremely important to Anne and it was with great pride that she became a Canadian citizen. Giving back was also very important to Anne, and for over 40 years she was actively involved in the Lioness Club (both in Thompson and in West Kelowna) and almost always on the executive (she liked to get stuff done!). She also volunteered in many other community initiatives and in her children's activities. Anne loved her time in Thompson and West Kelowna and had a very large social network. She participated in many activities in Thompson such as bowling, curling, fishing, playing bridge and crib. Anne found her slice of heaven when she and Heinz bought their cabin at Setting Lake, Manitoba where wonderful memories were made. Many books were read, crib games played, sunsets admired (and photographed!) and family and friends entertained at the lake. And when family and friends couldn't come to Anne, she went to them. Anne loved to travel both as a young woman and later with Heinz and her children. Numerous trips back to Ireland and Germany to visit family, as well as vacations to Hawaii, Australia, Florida, Arizona, Texas, Mexico, Jamaica and Dominican Republic to name a few - Anne was always on board for a trip and a fun time! Her children will always remember the annual family camping trips during Inco shutdown, in the brown station wagon and the hard-top camper which took them all over the mid-west United States and across the Prairies. Anne had a sharp mind and a terrific sense of humour - she was the first to organize a get-together, the last to leave, and was always full of spirit and song. She made friends wherever she lived and worked - and she treasured those friendships. Christmas cards to and from dear friends across the world were especially valued by Anne. Anne's love for life was only surpassed by her love for Heinz, their children, partners, and grandchildren. Anne looked forward to seeing her Winnipeg grandchildren in West Kelowna in the summer and visiting them in Winnipeg every year. She also loved when children and grandchildren from Germany and Texas came to visit as well. Anne and Heinz couldn't wait to move back to Winnipeg in 2018 to be closer to family. Anne loved her family and grandchildren immensely and especially cherished these last five years with them.

Anne always said that she had lived a wonderful and blessed life, and that when it was time for her to leave us, we should not be sad. Instead she wanted us to toast her memory with an Irish whiskey, a lively song and a prayer for Manchester United. We miss you so much Anne/mum/mom/grandma. Rest in peace. Until we meet again. xoxoxoxo

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 23, 2023, Dec 23, 2023