We Remember
BODENSTAB, Anne
—
Anne was born to Bert and Dulcie Freyer in Pretoria, South Africa, and passed away peacefully on July 19, 2017, in Kelowna B.C.
She is survived by her daughters, Tanya (Tom), Michelle (Bert), Janine (Frank), son Ivan, and beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jonathan, Alexander, and Maximilian Waslen, Anna, Robbie, and Eric Bowden, Isabel and Lucas Fabian, and William Bodenstab. She is also survived by her brother Dr. Ebbie Freyer (Louise), sister-in-law Annchen Bodenstab (Allan), and brother-in-law Dr. Robert Bodenstab (Lesley), as well as nieces Alexandra, Marisa and Velia and nephews Craig, Wayne, Sean, Carl and Zane. She was predeceased by her parents, Bert and Dulcie Freyer, brother-in-law Dr. Theo Bodenstab and her husband, Dr. Eric Bodenstab.
Anne attended elementary school at The German School then completed high school at Meisies Hoër Skool, both in Pretoria.
She attended the University of Pretoria, majoring in German and Art History. There she met Eric, the love of her life. They were married on Nov. 30, 1963 at St. Peter’s German Lutheran Church, Pretoria.
Anne was an accomplished ballerina, beginning at age eight and continuing into adulthood to eventually become a ballet teacher in South Africa and later in Canada. She was a runway model and language translator, speaking English, German, and Afrikaans. All four of her children were born in South Africa. The family moved to Canada in 1976 where Eric continued to practice medicine in Tisdale, SK. There they spent the next 25 years. Anne opened a dance school, involved herself in the Arts Council and her church, but most importantly devoted herself to raising her family.
In 2002, Anne moved to Kelowna to begin the next phase of her life. She enjoyed living close to two of her children, and made sure the other two visited often. Naturally, she found her church, where she arranged the flowers, served on the Altar Guild, music ministry, church council and became Assistant Minister.
Those who knew her will remember her love of flowers, animals, fashion, ballet, music, travel, and that she saw the beauty in everything. She had such compassion; she wouldn’t even harm a spider.
As for her many, many friends, you meant the world to her and she held you close to her heart.
She will be remembered for her quick wit, for being gracious and for her kindness.
We miss her.
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 24th at 10:00 am at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2091 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or to share a memory, please scroll down this page to the area called “share your condolences.”
Service
Monday, July 24th at 10:00 am
Location
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
Deepest condolences to the family – especially to her children. All of her children were in my classes in Junior High when they moved to Tisdale. She will be missed.
Darlene McCullough
So sorry to hear about your mom. We will remember the good times we had on 109th! Take care everyone.
Ruth and I were deeply saddened with the news of Anne ‘s death and extend to her loving family our empathy and prayers. She is remembered by us as a gracious and hospitable woman who put into practice her natural charm expressed as a devout Christian. May the Holy Spirit uphold her family in this time of need and renew our belief of the “resurrection of the body and the life everlasting” as we affirm in the catholic Creeds of the Church.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev’d James and Ruth Buenting, Calgary
(Anne’s pastor who ministered to her during my term at Christ Church, Kelowna, which ended with our move some years ago)
My sincere sympathy to the whole Family . Your Dad was my Doctor for many years from the day he started with Dr Van Schoor in there ckinic at the old hospital your mother a beauitful graceful who left all us Rural people in awe. So very friendly and patient in every avenue of life. She never hesitated to share a smile and warm greeting wherever she went. I missed her very much when she moved from our little town. I am forever grateful for the friendship of both your parents. HUGS to each of you.
Dearest Tanya and families, with
Please accept our deepest condolences of the passing of your precious mother and grandmother. We wish you and all the family much Love and Comfort at this time.
Our deepest sympathy Michelle, Tanya, Janine, Ivan and your families. Your Mother was an exceptionally warm and loving woman. Charming and gracious. Generous and kind. You were so blessed to be have been guided through your lives by her. We all share in your grief and appreciate what a sad time this is for your family. I enjoyed my conversations with Anne and always felt the genuine warmth and wisdom in her words, presence and glorious smile. Many years ago, she and your father made a very generous and kind offer to me when I was going through a personally challenging time. Just knowing that they were there and had my back if I needed help, allowed me the faith to know that everything would turn out. This was a very valuable lesson that they imparted upon me. I have never forgotten that kindness and carry it with me in my own personal actions through life. Her legacy will go on forever as you live and love in your own lives and impart your mom’s shining light into her beautiful grandchildren. She was so very proud of all of you. May God comfort you in this time of loss and may the loving memories of your mother’s sparkling eyes, smile, laugh and inner spirit bring you peace in the days to come.
“Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
With love and sympathy, Patti , Mike and family.
I am so very sorry for of the loss of a beautiful family member; your mom sounds like she was a wonderful person Tanya, she will be deeply missed. I am thinking of you all
Feeling incredibly sad about the passing of my younger cousin. We had just recently reconnnected via email. A lot of reminiscing in our emails and photos sent. Remembering our years growing up with love and fondness. Loads of memories which wll never be erased, Then many years ago having Michelle visit and then this year Anna. So bkessed to have got to know Anne’s daughter and granddaughter. Sending love and condolences from Cape Town.
Thinking of all of you at this time and how she is smiling as she looks down on you.
Sending my love to all of you as my heart breaks for the loss of your precious mom, Anne. I loved her so much and she showered love on me for the last 27 years each time I was fortunate enough to visit in Canada or spend time with her here in Atlanta. I was always welcomed by your family and they truly are an extension of my own. I will never forget her beautiful smile, her gracious and giving heart, her strength and grace and her love for her family. I am forever grateful for having her in my life and the wonderful, fun memories that I cherish. Prayers, love and hugs to all of you.
We are so sorry for your loss ,certainly enjoyed meeting and getting to know your mother. She is a wonderful person
I’m very to sorry to hear your mom passed away. I will always remember both your parents fondly- they were so kind. I loved to hear how full her life was. Our families thoughts are with you.
Tanya , Michelle , Janine , Ivan
So sorry …Sending you all hugs
Randie and Ken Magnus
Sincere Condolences to the Family! Anne was a Kind, Compassionate Lady to all that knew her! You could feel her LOVE wherever you met her! She definitely defines a lady of GRACE and PEACE! MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU!
LOVE TRINA GURBACH
Sincere condolences at the loss of your beloved Anne, such a beautiful gentle soul.
Anne was always thoughtful and kind. She found joy in small pleasures.
I will always remember her kindness to me, and her beautifully radiant smile.
Our deepest sympathies to the family of the late Anne Bodenstab…..She’ll be missed. A classy, kind hearted soul has gone to rest. RIP Anne
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Thinking of you on this difficult day – may the thoughts and love of so many people who knew your mom give you comfort in the coming days.
Dear Tanya, Michelle, Janine, Ivan and Families – we were saddened and shocked to hear of your Mom’s passing. We have many fond memories of times spent with your Mom. She was a lovely lady and will be missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Take Care! Love & Hugs to all!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time – may the many memories of your gracious and kind mother comfort you in your grief. God bless!!
We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was such a beautiful lady inside and out, as are all of Anne’s family. Hoping you can find some comfort in knowing how much your mom was loved by so many people.
Thinking of all of you. Shirley and Peter Cress
Sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. May your memories sustain you through the days ahead and may you look back fondly of the time you spent together.
My sympathy to all
Dear Tanya, Michelle, Janine, and Ivan. So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was one the kindest and most patient women I have ever known. As a nurse, I remember all the nights of calling your dad in the middle of the night, yet never a word of complaint was made to us by your mom as she tried to waken him up!!! She loved you all dearly and was so proud of your accomplishments. I am sure that she was a very special grandma to each of the grandchildren. Thinking of you all.
My sympathy on the loss of your Mom. We were so lucky to have your Mom and Dad as friends and we had so many fun times with your family. Sincerely, Karen Boxall
Dear Tanya, Michelle, Janine, Ivan and Families –
My thoughts and prayers have been with you at this very difficult time – your Mom was a wonderful, kind, gracious lady who made me always feel welcome in your home. I know that you all have many wonderful memories of special times that you spent with your Mom – may these memories give you the courage and the strength that you need. Thinking of you . . .
We are related to Michelle through marriage (Bert is Liz’s cousin). We met Anne at Michelle and Bert’s wedding and again in Atlanta. Our hearts go out to all of you in the loss of your mother, a lovely and memorable woman. We know this is a difficult time for you.
Dear Tanya, Michelle, Janine, Ivan and Families – Glen and I were so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was a beautiful woman with a heart of gold and infectious spirit. We have such good memories of time spent with your mom and dad both on 109th Ave and at Kip. She was a lovely lady full of fun and beauty and just the right amount of mischievousness. She will be missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time and we send our most sincere sympathy.
We would like to extend to you and your family our utmost deepest sympathies on your loss of your mom, our
thoughts go with you at this most difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Anne, our neighbour for the past three years will be sorely missed. We returned home Monday (24th) evening after having been away for two weeks. We missed seeing Anne in the yard on our return, contacted Ivan only to learn of her passing. Our condolences to her family, we shall miss her as will they.
So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of your Mom. Our sincere sympathy to all of her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to all of Anne’s family. We treasure the times we had together and what an absolute gem of a person she was. We admire the way she tended to her parents as they aged. We remember when we made a trip to Tisdale to visit Bert & Dulcie and Dulcie said we must say hi to your Mom, who was working at the funeral hime. As we came in she was dusting a casket and said”Never in my life did I think I would be doing this for emploment”. We all had a great chuckle. Anne was a treasure and I am sure you will all miss her very much.
Laurie and Betty Cone, Saskatoon.
Dear Tanya , Michelle , Janine ,Ivan and families
We are so sorry to hear of Anne’s passing – she was a lovely person and friend to us – always a wonderful hostess , will remember the special times we celebrated occasions together. Cherish the memories of this most gracious lady – she lives on in all of you ! Hugs to you all…..