Ann (Johanna) Szarkowicz (ne’e Johanna Theresia Maria Korman)
Aug 21, 1929 – January 27, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear Mother, Ann. She passed peacefully with family at her side. Ann left us the way she wished and prayed for.
Ann is survived by a large family. Her brother Case, her boys, John (Diana), Pete (Liz), Gerry (Anita), and Jim (Roxanne). Ann was fortunate to have a “daughter” in her life as well, Jenny Nielsen. To her family, Ann was known as Oma and what a wonderful Oma she was. In addition to her four sons, she is survived by 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Oma treasured every one in her family and showed them unconditional love no matter if they “were up to no good”. Oma always focused on the positive side of life and could often be found with a sparkle in her eye, a heart-felt laugh and a good joke.
Ann had an intriguing life story which found her born in Rotterdam Netherlands. She started her younger life in Curacao WI. Ann was a young teacher stepping into a new world after WWII. It was there she met her husband, Pete Broere, an industrial electrician who had also decided to head out to the West Indies. Ann and Pete met on a bridge in Curacao. It was love at first sight. After leaving Curacao and deciding to finally emigrate to Canada, the growing family lived in several mining communities throughout Eastern Canada. Story has it that Oma was very good at scaring off bears before her kids set off to school. The family finally settled in Dryden, Ontario. Tragically, Oma lost her beloved Pete in an industrial accident in 1971.
Never a woman who was held back by adversity, she picked up the reins of being a single-mom to four boys, re-educated herself in bookkeeping and set about getting a job. She worked as a bookkeeper and later as a travel agent. During her years in Dryden she made many good friends and kept up with what was happening through her dear friend Cecile.
It was in Dryden where a gentle plumber won her heart and became a second Dad to her four young men. He became known as Opa. (Frank Szarkowicz d. 2018) Ann and Frank moved from Dryden to Victoria B.C. in 1999 to escape the cold winters in Ontario. Ann was thrilled as she never had to shovel a speck of snow again. They enjoyed their life in Victoria immensely. Oma attended the University of Victoria, because she could, was an avid user and supporter of the library and local restaurants where she and Frank loved to enjoy a good meal. Ann and Frank continued to travel worldwide in their retirement years. Never shy of putting their voices to work, they could often be found on the sidelines, along the race route or wherever Oma’s children or grandchildren were competing. For those who didn’t live in Victoria, Oma had a special shelf dedicated to beautiful photos of her beloved little ones.
The family would like to extend their deep gratitude to Dr Aaron Childs and all the staff at Parkwood Place Retirement Residence for their wonderful and attentive care over Ann’s years there.
Oma, you will be missed by all of your family, friends, and residents at Parkwood . We know your strong faith in God allows you to be looking down upon us all. We are certain you are sharing a good meal and many laughs with those whom you loved and are now reunited with.
A Catholic Mass will be held on Friday, April 14th, 1:30 pm at St Andrew’s Cathedral, 740 View Street, Victoria , BC. A reception will follow at the Penny Farthing Pub, 2228 Oak Bay Road, where you are invited to come and celebrate an incredible life, well lived.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Royal Jubilee hospital Emergency Department.
Condolences may be offered to the family at
