Annelie Workman of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Munson Medical Center after a brief illness. She was 85 years old.
Anneliese Margarethe Brose was born June 1, 1939, in Berlin, Germany. She was the daughter of Alfred Brose and Frieda Senftleben Misenko.
She spent her childhood and early teen years during World War II and the post-war years in her native Germany. She and her mother and stepfather later came to America, arriving on Christmas Eve in 1955. Years later, at each Christmas Eve family gathering, she would show her passport and tell the story of her arrival as a shy German sixteen-year-old, unable to speak English, unfamiliar with the culture and traditions of her new home country, and wholly uncertain of how to make her place in this strange new world that was to be her home. Continuing, she would marvel at the wonderful group of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren making up her audience, all descended from that shy German girl she had once been. She always made it very clear that she was profoundly grateful to live in America for the opportunity to have such a wonderful family. That big family truly was her pride and her joy.
Gradually becoming proficient in English, she made friends wherever she went. She was especially fond of sharing her story as she conversed with new friends. On March 13, 1957, she and Clayton Wallis married, and they soon started a family. She was known not only as a devoted young wife, and mother, but also as a person of warmth, wit, and personal flair. Such was her communicative prowess that her family members would often hear tales from new acquaintances about how delightful she was when they had a chance meeting with her. While she became very adept at living the American life, she also honored the best of her German heritage through her culinary talents, making been roulade a favorite entrée at family dinners, and the German pancake eierkuchen when the occasion demanded sweet rather than savory treats.
Creativity was one of her most striking traits. Whether painting ceramics, tole painting, decoration flower boxes- to cite only a few examples- she displayed both skill and artistic inventiveness. That extended to gardening as well, as she drew great joy from raising flowers and vegetables. This ability was perhaps most evident in her cooking and entertainment. Her culinary skills were well-known, as well as her ability to prepare and serve elegant meals. But whether the occasion was a simple meal for family and friends, or a formal dinner party, it was always presented with a signature personal warmth. Annelie was always a gracious and welcoming hostess.
Those virtues extended to all of her personal dealings. She was a very generous spirit. When others found themselves in need, she was ready to listen and help in any way she could. This was a natural outgrowth of her love for the Lord. She knew that following God meant having a generous spirit toward others, as well as living with fidelity to the tenets of her faith. Also flowing from her spiritual devotion was a spirit of deep gratitude. At a time in life when various infirmities might tempt one to become bitter, she remained buoyantly cheerful and thankful for the many joys that remained to her. To encounter Annelie, even to the end of her life, was to be uplifted by her good humor and grace.
Annelie is survived by her children, Connie Wallis, Rochelle (George) Denger, Moni Lalonde, and Dane (Janel) Wallis, all of Sault Ste. Marie. Her grandchildren are, Natalie (Jason) Tremblay, Alex (Kerry) Carley, Paul (Xiaomin) Carley, Jessica (Greg) May, Shane (Monique) Carley, Madeline Carley, Adam (Heather) Raffaele, Dusty Lalonde, Jenna Lalonde, Jacob Beckwith, Dana (Audra) Beckwith, Nathan Beckwith, Abbie (Kevin) Van Sloten, Dane Wallis, Josh (Anthony) Saunders, and Dale (Stephanie) LaBombard. Great-grandchildren include, Hannah MacQuarrie, Caitlin MacQuarrie, Isabelle Carley, Allie Carley, Clayton Payne, Ellora Ball, Lennox May, Aiden Carley, Oliver Carley, Alexandria Carley, Wyatt Tremblay, Lilly Horka, Ellie, Logan Raffaele, Brenden Desormeau, Zoe Desormeau, Emma Mayer, Cole Nichols, Ethan Nichols, Kaili Nichols, Jackson Beckwith, Ava Beckwith, Ashley Beckwith, Devin Beckwith, Korbin Beckwith, Celeste Caldecott, Harmony Beckwith, Symphony Beckwith, Melody Beckwith, Lyric Beckwith, Jarrett Van Sloten, and Colten Wallis. She as well had six great great-grandchildren.
Annelie was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Clayton Wallis, second husband, Richard Workman, daughter, Rene Anderson, and granddaughter, Annie Raffaele, and stepfather, Albert Misenko.
A private graveside service was held on July 20, 2024, at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan.
Wir lieben dich, Mutter-Oma.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
