May 12th, 1928 – June 11th, 2016
After a long, full life, Ann passed away in the North Okanagan Hospice at the age of 88 years, surrounded by her loving family.
Ann will be lovingly remembered by her children, Frank (Wendy Belter) Zander, Rennell (Rory) McNeil and Dawn (Susan Finn) Zander; three grandchildren, Layne and Olivia Zander and Kieran Frey; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. She was preceded in death by all of her eight siblings.
Ann was born in Hague, Saskatchewan to German Lutheran homesteaders, Jacob and Annmarie Amendt, who immigrated from Frank, Russia in 1925. Ann was a bright girl with little opportunity for formal education, but who, in spite of this, became an adventurous woman, forging her own path in life. In her mid twenties, she moved to Muscatine, Iowa to become a house mother at the Lutheran Homes for Children. An instinctive mother, she loved and nurtured dozens of girls during her years there; this indeed was a defining aspect of her life. Ann moved to Vernon in 1960 when she married Orville Zander. She always delighted in children, so having three of her own was a blessing. Ann quickly became a fixture in the Vernon community. In addition to her steadfast and generous friendship, many remember her for teaching night school tailoring and sewing classes, and for her long running downtown business, Ann’s Sewing Nook which was always a happening and welcoming place. Even after retiring at the age of 79 Ann was never idle; she passionately volunteered countless hours sewing, knitting and quilting for the Vernon Hospital Auxiliary and many other local charities.
The Funeral Service will be held at Bethel Funeral Chapel on Friday, June 24th, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Craig Tufts officiating. A Reception will follow in the Bethel Tea Room. At the conclusion of the Reception interment will take place in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Ann to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation, designated for the Ladies Auxiliary, 2101 - 32nd Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 5L2.
We, Ann’s family wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and Care Aids of the Vernon Jubilee Hospital and the staff at the North Okanagan Hospice for the wonderful care our Mother received from you all during her stay with you.
Funeral arrangements have been made with BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD., 5605-27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5 • 250-542-1187