Anne Jurgens, Grannie Annie, as she was also affectionately known, left us on Thursday, May 2 and went to reconnect with her Freddie in Heaven.
Born an only child to Robert and Martha Porter in Keswick, Cumbria England, Anne spent her first 14 years surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Lake District. Much to Anne’s delight, for five of her childhood years during WWII, Anne’s family provided a safe home for a girl from London, who was the same age. Anne always credited The Church of England for providing a solid foundation of faith and a guiding light throughout her lifetime.
In 1948, Anne immigrated to Canada with her parents where she completed her schooling and attended Business College. She was employed by the Royal Bank of Canada and The Province of Ontario Savings Bank for several years in Hamilton, Canada. During that time, Anne met her future husband, Fred, who had immigrated to Canada from Germany. After they were married in 1954, they moved to the United States where they obtained their citizenship and began their family. They eventually settled in Saratoga Springs in 1962.
Over the years, Anne dedicated herself to raising her family. She continued her hobbies of reading, writing, drawing and painting as well as earning her Real Estate License in the 70’s. “Grannie” also enjoyed teaching Sunday School lessons for a time in the 90’s. Her fanciful penmanship was a work of art, so receiving a card or letter from Anne was always special. She usually included a newspaper or magazine clipping along with some words of wisdom. Anne was an avid reader of anything health related. She was known for her many home remedies and did her best to keep herself and her family healthy. She was insightful and ahead of her time with many of her theories. She became interested in politics and world events later in life.
Yearly family vacations in Maine were a cherished tradition. She enjoyed preparing family dinners and baking homemade apple pie. Anne shared her opinions with family and friends, and she would listen to theirs, while sipping a cup of tea or coffee with honey. She loved music, had a beautiful voice and was a natural drummer as well. She contributed to numerous charities. She was a very strong woman with a compassionate heart. She will be missed tremendously by all who knew her and loved her.
Anne leaves behind her five children, Kathy Gregory (Dan), Nora Reed (Gene), Ron Jurgens (Soni), Bill Jurgens (Kelly) and Julie Jurgens as well as seven grandchildren, Ryan Reed (Keily), Robert Jurgens (Amorette), Kasi Jurgens Gallagher (John), Chelsea Reed Pierce (Pete), Meghan Gregory, Lauren Chrisman, Max Choi, and five great grandchildren.
Friends and family are invited to gather and pay their respects in memory of Anne on Sunday, May 19 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. preceding the service, which will commence at 3:30 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, located at 402 Maple Avenue (Route 9), Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. To share condolences online, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
