Ann F. Stein

Antoinette Frances Stein understood that the most important things in life were not things at all. She knew that people were more valuable than any amount of money. A dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, she always wanted the best for her family and did what she could to provide it for them. Her warm personality and loyal nature won her many friends across the country and she looked forward to spending time with them. She was also a woman of faith, looking to God for guidance and assurance.

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on May 9, 1916, Ann was one of Martin and Clara (Polderdyke) Peters' four children. Ann spent many happy hours with her friend, Evelyn Makowski, a friendship that would last for the rest of her life.

As Ann grew older, she enjoyed playing tennis and loved attending dances with other young people. She graduated from Catholic Central High School with the class of 1933. After high school, Ann worked hard to put herself through beauty school and for many years operated a small hairdressing business out of her home on California Street.

Ann's family was acquainted with the Steins, a family with a son named Harold. Their parents thought they might suit each other nicely, and when they were introduced they got along well. Eventually they exchanged vows, embarking on a lifelong journey that lasted over fifty years. They endured great hardships and joys together, and it didn't take long for their faith and perseverance to be tested by difficulties.

In December of 1941, the Naval base at Pearl Harbor was attacked, drawing the United States into World War II. Harold entered military service and Harold wasn't able to meet his young son until Eric was nearly two years old.

Ann's joy was indescribable when Harold was among the fortunate who were able to return home and rejoin their families. He found a job working for Steelcase and the Steins began the process of reestablishing their lives together. They had another child, a daughter Karen, and Ann loved being a mom. She wanted to make sure that her children had a foundation of faith and the family regularly attended St. James Catholic Church. They enjoyed spending time together and one summer Harold took an entire month off from work to take a vacation out West. They explored the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Disneyland, and many other memorable locations.

The Steins spent a lot of time camping at Hardy Dam, relaxing in the fresh air and enjoying the recreational activities in the area. During their many summers at the Dam, they became great friends with other regular visitors. Harold and Ann loved to travel to other locations as well, frequently taking their Airstream trailer with caravans to Mexico. They also traveled to New York, Europe and many times to Florida, and during a few summers, Ann enjoyed taking some of her friends to her daughter's cottage on East Twin Lake in northern Michigan.

Ann had many interests that kept her busy. She found great joy in singing and when she was in her 40s and 50s she joined the Sweet Adelines, an international singing organization for women who primarily perform barbershop harmony. She was also involved with the choirs at St. James and Holy Spirit Catholic Church. As a couple, Ann and Harold were very social people and spent countless hours playing cards with friends at Hardy Dam and with their Airstream caravan pals. Among the first to move into the Marsh Ridge retirement community, she and Harold also made many new friends there. Ann loved to read and was a talented seamstress, making a lovely heirloom christening gown that was worn by several members of her family, most recently her great grandson, Sam.

Ann adored her family and loved spending time with them. Her fiftieth wedding anniversary party was a wonderful time of celebration with her loved ones and friends. She treasured every hug and every smile from her grandchildren. Education had always been important to her and she was proud to be able to attend the college graduations of her grandchildren Brian and Monica. She leaves all who knew her with many fond memories and the example of a faithful, loving, and kindhearted woman.

Ann passed away December 3, 2005. Her husband, Harold Stein, preceded her in death. Ann is survived by her children, Eric (Anh) Stein of Paris, France, and Karen (Thomas) Botwinski of Plymouth; grandchildren, Monica Botwinski, Brian (Melanie) Botwinski, Laurent Calamy, and Xavier (Mercedes) Calamy; great-grandchild Samuel Botwinski; life-long friend, Evelyn Makowski; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family on Monday, December 5, from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-9 p.m. with a vigil service held at 7:30 p.m. at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, December 6, at 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Please visit Ann's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society.