Obituary of Anneliese Zimmer

Anneliese Zimmer (née Rees) born January 1st, 1933 passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 5th, 2023. Anneliese was born in Zell im Wiesental, Germany (Black Forest). She grew up during the second world war and was able to recall stories which taught valuable lessons to family and friends. During her early adult years, she landed a prestigious job as the secretary for the city. She was musically talented and played the violin in the orchestra in Germany and then in London, Ontario. She immigrated to Canada in her mid-twenties after marrying her high school sweetheart Martin. Together they built an incredible life of adventure as new Canadians, launching careers enabling them to travel throughout Canada. In particular they enjoyed camping and canoeing in northern Ontario. Anneliese and family travelled extensively throughout Europe, visiting her homeland often. She was a devoted mother to her children Martin Jr., Susan and Christine; fostering their interest in sports, arts, and musical endeavours. She was an active grandmother to Natalie and Christian; always engaged with them in skiing, hiking, camping, swimming, tobogganing and endless hours of tea parties. She is a great grandmother to baby Theo. Anneliese was a wonderful mother-in-law to Rick, Mark and Theresa. She was a doting caregiver to a crew of dog family members who knew her as "Oma" and once they came for visits, they did not want to leave. Anneliese was impressed with the beauty of nature inspiring her to create crafts and flower arrangements. She was a member of the London Garden Club and enjoyed the company of fellow flower enthusiasts. Anneliese loved to cook and entertain; she has fond memories of gatherings with her "second family"; The Boler Mountain friends. She volunteered to teach skiing through the Track 3 program. Anneliese would arrive during cold winter nights to feed the snow making crew and she was known by many as "Momma Boler". Anneliese was a lifelong learner attending the University of Western Ontario enjoying art history, anthropology, and social sciences. Anneliese is survived by her sister Gertrude and nieces Nikki and Caroline and has fond memories of spending time with them in BC most notably English Bay and Granville Island and Hawaii. She is predeceased by her parents, Josef and Maria Elisabeth, sister Maria and brother Werner. A private ceremony will be held by immediate family followed by a memorial (details tbd). To honour Anneliese's memory and her love of nature, please consider a donation to an animal rescue and/or plant a tree, shrub, flowers, add a bird bath / feeder, plant milkweed for the monarchs, etc., in a place of your choice. Online condolences may be made at Mount Pleasant Cemetery (London) Inc. www.mpcemetery.ca.