Obituary of Anne Elisabeth Johanna Maria Baxter

Anne Elisabeth Johanna Maria Baxter was born on January 22, 1945 in occupied Holland to Martin and Bep van der Pauw. Annelies was the eldest of five children. Post-war, the family immigrated to Canada, and eventually settled in Haney, their beloved home. Mom met Bill Baxter, the love of her life in 1969, and they married on Easter Monday in 1970. She was a loving wife, and the beloved mother to Greg (Paula), Lisa (John), and Alyson (Jordy). She was a very proud Oma to Elsie, Sarah, and Julia. Annelies and Bill celebrated their 48th Anniversary on March 30th, a day that Mom was determined to enjoy with her family. Their marriage was an incredible example of adoration and devotion to one another. Their children were blessed to witness their love in so many ways. Her passion was teaching, a passion that was ignited as an elementary school student at St. Patrick’s School upon its opening in 1957. As a teacher, she shaped the lives of so many with her love and dedication. She loved each of her students, and they loved her in return. She spent over 25 years as a teacher at St. Pat’s, and she inspired all who knew her with her strength and unfailing grace. Annelies made a huge impact on the St. Patrick’s community with her humour and elegance, and through her unwavering faith. Her fellow teachers became her closest friends, and the hours spent with them in the staffroom were precious to her. Pre-deceased by brother-in-law John, Annelies is survived by her family including her husband Bill, sisters Marieke and Lidi (Eric) and brothers Nico (Pat) and Tom (Karen), her in-laws, Bruce (Carol), Keith (Cathy), Shirley (Phil), and Jim (Natalie) who were her second family, as well as many nieces and nephews who loved and were loved by their Auntie “Lies”. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Fraser Health Home Hospice Care, and especially to our Angel Nurse, Sabrina. Annelies passed peacefully at home, surrounded by love, on the evening of Friday, April 6th. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (22561 121st Ave, Maple Ridge) at 2:30pm on Saturday, April 14th, with a reception in the School Gym to follow. Please join us for tea and her wonderfully sweet coffee to celebrate her remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Patrick’s School (604-467-1571) in Annelies’ name.