Annemarie (Haase) Heinze

HEINZE, Annemarie (nee Haase)

June 13, 1926 – October 7, 2025

On October 7, 2025, Annemarie, a longtime resident of Royal Gardens in Peterborough and previously long-time 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 after a harrowing time in the war escaping from Nazi Germany.

She became a teacher after studying education in Germany, so after a few jobs in Toronto learning and becoming proficient in English she was able to start teaching again in the Toronto Board of Education. 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 fifteen years, she helped design the common curriculum and introduced the standardized German examinations, organized advanced training conferences, regional advanced training events and helped in the designing of the Canadian Association of Teachers of German. 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.

As she was doing all this, she was also a very dedicated and enthusiastic teacher in the Canadian system and was often referred to as the “favourite teacher”. She always listened and tried to understand the other’s point of view. 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.

Shortly after arriving to Canada, they began construction on their lifelong home in Guildwood on the bluffs. Both she and Kurt built the house brick by brick according to Kurt’s design. The second story never transpired because in 1958 Thomas decided to make an appearance. She raised two children, Thomas Heinze (d. Nov 2002) and Simone Robson (Heinze).

Her love of animals was apparent throughout her life. While growing up in Guildwood, there were always pets around from gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, to cats and dogs. The family rescued animals such as baby starlings and raised them to maturity. She also took pets into school and allowed some children to take them home over the weekends. In the end, at Royal Gardens in Peterborough, she loved the visiting animals.

The last years, when her body was giving out, she was determined to keep using her walker and staying as mobile as she could for as long as she could. A favourite event was the Zumba Gold class which mother and daughter loved to attend. A determined lady wanting to live life to its fullest potential.

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.

After her husband passed, Annemarie spent nine years at Royal Gardens Retirement Residence. We are thankful to all the staff present and past who helped make her stay there comfortable and enjoyable. They were like family and will be deeply missed.

Many thanks to the wonderful team at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Emergency Care and Palliative Care teams; Dr. Dylan and the ER staff, Dr. Matheson, Sharon, and J&J (Jess and Josh) palliative care.

A private family ceremony is planned for a future date.  

As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Humane Society or 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 or by calling 705-932-7678.