Tribute

Anna (Annie) Maria Spiel passed away at the age of 82 years old on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

Born in Brazil September 30, 1942 to Willy and Helena Isaac, Annie was the second oldest of her 9 siblings: (predeceased)Helena (Henrique), Alredo Willi (Gertrude), Joao Waldemar (Frida), Erna (Heinz), (predeceased) Gertrude (Heinz), Elfrida (Hans), Elza (Hans), and Pedro Abram (Marlene). Also left to mourn Annie’s passing is her husband of nearly 63 years Nik, her son Willy, daughter in-law Linda, grandsons Steven and Sterling (Brooke), numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and many close friends both near and abroad.

In her passing Annie reunites with her son Robert who predeceased her in 1981.

In 1962 Annie married the love of her life, Nik, they immigrated to Canada in 1969 with their two sons.

Throughout Annie’s life she was a loving wife, a mother to her sons, a sister and supportive friend to many including hosting many Brazilian students seeking education here in Canada….but her most precious role was being Oma to her grandsons; a role she cherished. Annie worked tirelessly her whole life from housekeeping roles as a new immigrant, becoming a Canadian citizen and learning English to become a medical receptionist and then fulfilling her entrepreneurial spirit establishing her own successful business Bramble Bush Flowers. Annie was humble about her outstanding artistic and design talent, whether it was creating a custom sewing pattern, tailoring a wedding dress, patching a quilt, arranging stunning bridal bouquets, cooking one of her traditional family favourite meals, or making the Christmas Wreaths; her passion for creativity always shone through with the finished product. She celebrated the joys of others who benefitted from her efforts, she was not grandiose, she always showed grace, she was forgiving and kind and generous to a fault.

Travel memories included the numerous trips back home to Brazil and the family vacations in Mexico.

“I’m going to tell you” She would say, and then some profound life wisdom would follow. We will all miss your wise words Oma, and we are so grateful for your life that we were blessed to share.

A special thank you to the Fraser Health Team for the wonderful care they gave to Annie in her final days and to Elza and Elfrida for their unwavering and tender support to both Annie and Nik.

Memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetic Society.