Ann (Anna) Brauneis Hefner

Ann (Anna) Brauneis Hefner was born on July 1, 1927 to Anna and Friedrich Brauneis in Vienna, Austria. She endured World War II with her parents and sister, Karola and had a lifetime of mind-blowing stories to pass down generations. One story that will always be remembered was the telling of her experience watching the iconic Vienna Opera House burn down, following a bombing raid. Shortly after the war, she met a young American soldier, James Donald Hefner, during the Army's occupation in Vienna. They knew it was meant to be. After only three days of knowing each other, he asked her to marry him. Her answer? "You're crazy!" That young soldier DID become her husband on December 14, 1946 in Jimmie's hometown, Ocala, Florida. They were married for almost 65 years until he passed away on May 14, 2011. Jimmie was an Army doctor and retired as a Colonel in 1978, after serving 34 years in the military. Anny was the perfect military wife and fulfilled all of her duties and responsibilities with grace and class. They moved back and forth from stateside assignments to Germany numerous times. Anny was the backbone of their growing family. She made each place they lived a warm and inviting home, not just a set of government quarters, only to pull up stakes and move again. Anny was a phenomenal dress designer and seamstress. She made wedding gowns, overcoats, suits, and dresses for her many customers to help with the household income while Jimmie was in medical school. Her daughters, and later her grandchildren, were the lucky recipients of her beautifully sewn clothing. Anny loved making wonderful dinners for her family, as well as hostessing dinner parties, luncheons, social coffees, and teas for their many friends. She was an incredible cook. The family favorite was always her authentic Viennese cooking. Anny was a perfectionist; whatever task was at hand was always done well. The one word consistantly used to describe her by everyone who knew her was elegant...and she was! She had a wonderful sense of humor. Her love for music was also a great part of who she was. This was something she passed down to the younger generations. None of the family will ever hear "The Blue Danube Waltz" or "Die Kleine Kneipe" without thinking of her. She had a deep love for animals and was passionate about caring for them. She volunteered for various organizations and always offered a loving heart and a helping hand. She was a true humanitarian. Anny and Jimmy had four children: Marcea Ann (Blaine), James Friedrich (Joyce), Annette Diane, and Barbara Sue. They had nine grandchildren: Christie, James, Andrew, Rebecca, Chelsea, Alex, James Phillip, Oliver, and Simon. They also had seven great-grandchildren. Anny was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2009. Although it was a long road, she continued to travel and enjoy life. Alzheimers or not, something that never faded was her kindness and gentleness. She passed away gently at home on October 4, 2019 with her family holding her hands. She will be unbelievably missed, but there is comfort in knowing she's whole and healthy again with her beloved Jimmie for their "Sentimental Journey".