ANNEMARIE HEINZE

(nee Haase) (June 13, 1926 – October 7, 2025) On October 7, 2025, Annemarie, a longtime resident of Royal Gardens in Peterborough and previously longtime resident of Toronto, passed away peacefully, at the age of 99. Now reunited with her husband of 60 years, Kurt (d. 2015), she was also a loving mother of Simone, Thomas (d. 2002), and son-in-law, Paul; and loving grandmother of Reece (Maria) and Bryce (Sarah). Annemarie and Kurt both were born in Forst, Germany, and nieces and nephews remain in their native country. She immigrated to Canada in 1952, reuniting with her husband to be, Kurt, in Toronto to start a new life. She became a teacher after studying education in Germany. Dear to her heart was teaching at the German Language School in Sir Winston Churchill Collegiate in Scarborough, since 1962 she taught every Saturday. When she took over as principal from 1968 to 2007, she managed the school which thrived and grew under her supervision. She was on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of German Language Schools (KVDS) and was elected president in 1992. For all her commitment and energy, love, and devotion to the advancement of German language studies, she was awarded the Federal Order of Merit of the Republic of Germany and will be remembered for her tireless efforts. She was also a very dedicated and enthusiastic teacher in the Canadian system and was often referred to as the "favourite teacher." Having trained in gymnastics growing up, she used her skills to start a gymnastics club at Guildwood Public School, taking young aspiring gymnasts to new heights, winning many inter-school competitions. She and Kurt also taught courses at night school. She truly loved her calling to teach. I quote Helen Keller, "Many persons have a wrong idea about what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." My mother was, therefore, truly happy in life. A private family ceremony is planned for a future date. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Humane Society and David Suzuki Foundation, in lieu of flowers, can be made or to a charity of choice. Online condolences can be expressed at www.millvalleyfuneral.com.