Obituary of Anna Marie Dafoe

On August 9, 2013, Anna Marie Dafoe [Kroeger] passed away peacefully at the age of 89 at the Hanna Health Care Centre. Anna, born Oct 27, 1923 in Russia to Heinrich & Helena Kroeger, she was one of 7 children. At the age of 3 the Kroeger family emigrated to Canada where they began a new life in Naco, AB. Anna earned her teaching certificate in Calgary University and returned home to teach. In 1946 she met and married Fred Dafoe and they began married life on the farm near Hemaruka. In 1947 a son, Dennis was born, followed by a second son, Barri in 1948. In 1952 their only daughter, Michelle was born, followed by son number 3, James “Jim” in 1956 and Carson in 1958 who was suddenly taken from them in a car accident in 1979. Anna taught school in Hemaruka until the school closed in 1967. She then took a position in Youngstown school where she stayed until she retired in 1982. Fred and Anna sold the farm to their son, Jim and his wife, Wendy in 1981 and they retired in Hanna. They spent their retirement years enjoying community life and travelling extensively across Canada, exploring for weeks so many wonderful places in the country. They also spent a few winters in Phoenix, Arizona with Fred’s sister, Nell. Even with her severe motion sickness her dream destination was always to travel to the country of her birth. She was able to do that with some of her brothers in the late 1990’s. She shared her many different stories with her family when she returned. Anna’s generous heart led her to join & volunteer for many organizations throughout her life. She was a long time member of the Hemaruka Women’s Institute, making life-long friends with the women in that area. She was a dedicated member of the Legion and proudly wore her uniform whenever she was needed. When they moved to Hanna, Anna joined the Ladies Auxillary, and remained devoted to them until her illness. Predeceased by her son Carson in 1979; her loving husband, Fred, in 2004; her brothers Henry Kroeger, Nick Kroeger, Art Kroeger and sister Helen Thornton. Anna is survived by her children; Dennis (Diann) Dafoe of Calgary, Barri (Lonnie) Dafoe of Hanna, AB., Michelle (Shannon) Mitchell of Beaumont, Ab., and Jim (Wendy) Dafoe of Coronation, Ab., 14 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; Brothers George & Pete Kroeger as well as numerous other relatives and a host of many friends. 4 Surviving Children (Spouses): Dennis [Diann] Dafoe of Calgary, AB; Barri [Lonnie] Dafoe of Hanna, AB; Michelle [Shannon] Mitchell of Beaumont, AB and Jim [Wendy] Dafoe of Coronation, AB 14 Grandchildren: Annette Richard, Dennis Dafoe, Jr., Christine Dafoe, Elizabeth Dafoe, Denton Dafoe, Johanna Dafoe, Tania Lenders, Paul Dafoe, Tina Morrison, Jason May, Tyler Dafoe, Kelli-Ann King, Crystal Dafoe, Dan Dafoe 23 Great Grandchildren: Stephanie & Stephen Richard, Karson & Deagon May; Crystal May, Amber Morrison; Elias, Nathan, Jenoah & Naomi Dafoe; Benjamin, Theo & Aurora Dafoe; Christian, Lane, Liam & Finn Dafoe; Payton, Dontae, Hannah & Zander King; Alana Dafoe She was predeceased by her loving husband, Fred, in 2004