Saturday March 11, 2023, is without a doubt the saddest day of my life! My beautiful wife Annette has left us to join the Angels. She passed away the way she lived her life, with quiet grace and dignity. The last 14 months were incredibly hard on her, and she really suffered from the cancer and its complications.

I had 42 wonderful years of marriage, 48 years wonderful years in love, and over 60 years of true friendship. I am devastated and lost, but comforted that she is no longer suffering and has gone with grace to the loving arms of Jesus.

Annette was an incredible wife, friend, and truly a wonderful mother to Mary-Anne, Andreas, and Corinne; she was a doting grandmother to our Gerry and loved our son-in-law Jeremy as her own son. And Andreas’ partner Victoria who has been by his side throughout this journey.

Our beautiful grandson Gerry brought her the most happiness and filled her with so much happiness, pride, and joy. Every day he came home and immediately ran to his Grandmother’s side to hug and kiss her and tell her “I love you Yiayia”. In the last few months, Annette told us how blessed, proud, and grateful she was to be Gerry’s Yiayia.

Annette has left a legacy second to none, and she was deeply loved by everyone who knew her – family, friends, and even those whom she met only a few times. She lived life to the fullest and was always surrounded by loved ones. We describe Annette as remarkable, magnetic, vibrant, empathetic, caring, patient, and a true example of unconditional love.

The lasting impression that she left with everyone is that she was the perfect lady and her soft, loving nature filled the hearts of all who were privileged to meet her. She helped so many people with her advice and calm demeanour as she has always been very intuitive. She always had kind words to say about everyone. She had an enormous love for wild animals, but most especially cheetahs.

We shared so much laughter and joy together, and so many times we whistled our way to popular Beatles songs!

My life is richer for having been with her, but today my world is shattered. I have lost the love of my life, my soul mate, and my best friend.