top of page

Anne Westra

Image by Nick Andréka

ANNE JEAN WESTRA

May 21, 1935 - May 11, 2024

Anne Jean Westra passed away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital on May 11th, 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; 4 great-grandchildren; many nieces; nephews; god-daughter 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 & 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 11:00am 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.


Anne's family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"

Thank you for your comment!

12 Comments

Leave a Comment

↑ Both fields are required ↓

Upload Photo(s)

Judy and Danny Westra/Kuzmich

June 20, 2024 at 10:26 PM

The service was a beautiful tribute for your mom, Auntie Anne. The first memory I have of your mom was as an eight year old on our first family visit to winnipeg. I was met with her warm, loving smile that greeted us into your home. I felt very welcomed. May all the wonderful memories you have of your mother give you comfort and peace during your time of grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Westra Family

June 20, 2024 at 2:01 PM

This is the live feed link for the funeral service at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Holy Rosary Church,. It should remain available for the next week or two.

.

https://youtube.com/live/Zb0Xl1al9Bk?feature=share

 

Please share with any family & friends that you think would like to see the service, but were unable to attend in person.

Wieger Westra

June 19, 2024 at 1:23 PM

So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Gwen and I are thinking of all of you at this time and sending our love.

Love Aunt Gwen and Uncle Will

Cindy Cardinal

June 15, 2024 at 4:35 AM

lovely Tribute to your mother

Pat Osadchuk

June 8, 2024 at 3:40 PM

So sorry to hear of Annes passing. I bought Avon from her for many years and she would always go out of her way to complete your order even phoning other reps for something that was sold out. I loved hearing stories of when she was younger. She could have written a book. She was very proud of her family and was always busy with birthdays and sports events and family dinners. Many condolences to her children, grandchildren and extnded family.

she will be greatly missed..

Leslie Maxwell

June 4, 2024 at 5:57 PM

My condolences to the whole family on Anne's passing . I have many fond memories of Anne. I'll miss her visits, her warmth and ready smile. Whenever she dropped off my Avon products, she proudly shared many stories of her family events and appreciated stories about my family. I'll forever treasure the happy memories. Rest in peace , dear Anne.

Lovingly remembered. Leslie

 

 

Karen Rohr

June 2, 2024 at 4:32 AM

Auntie Anne was such a wonderful woman. She was so thoughtful and never forgot anyone in her daily prayers. She had the best stories and she made the best poppyseed roll! So many wonderful memories. ♥️

Teresa Moreira

June 2, 2024 at 3:15 AM

Such a great lady. She helped me find Avon products when needed. Always gave me cookies or some baked goodies. Always tried to help her when she needed something but more often she helped me.. I visited her many times on Gerard and when she moved in with Christine. Will not forget her kindness.

Ronald Jonkman

June 2, 2024 at 1:22 AM

Our sincere condolences to all of you on the loss of your Mother, Grand Mother and Great Grand Mother. My fondest memories of my Auntie Anne were the visits to the big house on Gerrard and always being treated to the best Poppy Seed Bread I could ever remember. To my cousins, You have all been blessed to have had your Mom in your lives for all these many years, and that she will be remembered fondly by all of you and your children! Ronald, Kriss and Ian

Susan Hudson

June 1, 2024 at 10:35 PM

Anne was a beautiful, amazing woman. She was the epitome of an Avon Lady and had been and Avon rep since 1960! She went above and beyond to look after her customers, visiting them, spending time to get to know them. Her customers became extended family, and she treasured each and every one of them. She would always do what she could to help any other Avon rep looking for product too. She was a fixture at our President's Club banquets, and when I saw her at my first event I was "Wow, I know her, I went to school with a few of her children". We stayed in contact and whenever I would see her for delivery of her orders, she always had special treats for us - in most cases specially selected for my husband and daughter. Order hand offs were never a stop & go thing - there was always the updates on what each family member was doing, and their achievements - all of which she was so proud. Family was huge for her, as was helping anyone she thought needed a hand. Anne was selfless and generous, and I have never met anyone like her. I (along with Dean and Stephanie) will miss her very much. Love and hugs to her family.

Mercedes Rohr

June 1, 2024 at 5:36 PM

What a beautiful obituary for a beautiful lady. I feel so lucky for the time I got to spend with her. After reading this I am especially happy to have been able to eat with her and visit while we were both in B.C. I'm going to miss holding her hand and listening to her stories. "Homerun Annie"-how cute is that! So nice to read about her early life and cowboy dreams🩷🌹

Richard Hansen

June 1, 2024 at 5:55 AM

She was an amazing woman, who I feel so lucky to have had as an aunt. This so well describes her life, her passions, her spirit. And that spirit lives on in so many of us in many different ways. She really does leave quite the legacy of a remarkable life. ❤️

DEATH CARE SERVICES OF WINNIPEG INC.  Copyright 2019

Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

bottom of page