Annette Katherine Konanz

      When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Annette who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life.

Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Annette was someone who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about.

      Annette was born on July 8, 1936 at Odessa, Saskatchewan. Her parents were Emma and Peter Getz. Annette was raised in the Odessa, McLean and Qu'appelle areas. Being the seventh child of a large family she learned while young the importance of having her own opinion and being able to stand up for herself. Annette was raised with five sisters Isabelle, Aggie, Rose, Barbara and Delores and four brothers Lawrence, Tony, Frank, and Gordon. In this family environment Annette learned to respect her elders and to understand that in a traditional family the oldest members are naturally the most respected and take on the most responsibility. In some ways this gave her comfort as she always knew where everyone fit in. One of Annette's most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Annette's love of order and precision was something she carried with her throughout her life. As a young woman, Annette was able to put her natural abilities to work. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren't supposed to.

      Annette's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was reflected in her interests and pursuits - for she enjoyed being part of a workplace or organization where teamwork was important. She was definitely not one to seek the limelight or individual accomplishment or praise. Whether at work, in her family, at leisure or at community or social events she definitely believed in helping out with other people for a common cause. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a circle of friends in her early days and more recently. When Annette was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn't afraid to confront her friends, to stick up for them, and, when necessary, to challenge them to stick to their position or focus on the task at hand. Those close to Annette came to expect her high standards of performance.

      Annette was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Annette would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit them. She also had the ability to be strict and to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Annette was blessed with Two daughters, Cheryl and Wanda. They were also blessed with Three Grandchildren, Caitlin Sharpe, Savannah and Stephen Parisien.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Annette was always striving to make improvements where necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, and to keep everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Annette was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available.

Annette worked in the printing industry in her early work years and later she was drawn to the hospitality industry. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. She enjoyed teaching employees the people skills in jobs that required a personable attitude to deal with the public. She also enjoyed the order and precision needed to acquire the skill to perform banquet or formal style table service. Some of Annette;s employers included Commercial Printers, Centax Printers, Fox and Hounds Club, Brother's Restaurant, the Vagabond Motor Inn, Stage West Theatre -Regina Inn, Wa-Sun Restaurant, Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts.

      Annette approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached the rest of her life. Being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she loved to spend many hours on her various hobbies. Two of her favorite pursuits were her beloved garden and sewing. She also enjoyed crocheting and knitting, crafts and cooking, camping and being outdoors.

      Being generous with her time and energy, Annette liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. Throughout her years, Annette was an active member of her church choir, the Catholic Women's League, volunteering for community activities, coaching girls softball, school council, community associations, snowmobile club and bowling leagues to name a few. She volunteered to perform hospitality duties for the Memorial Cup, the Brier, the Tournament of Hearts, Youth Bowling League and for host duties during the Grey Cup in Regina. Annette was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Faith was important to Annette. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Annette could graciously accept and give a “thank you” to her by those she helped and those who helped her. However, individual recognition wasn't a motivating force for Annette; rather, when she saw that there was a need to get something done, she was more than willing to give her time and energy in order to see it accomplished.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Annette used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain nothing was overlooked in putting the trip together. Annette had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. She often diarized her travels and made sure proper maps were always available so she should tell Dad which turnoff or exit he had just missed! Her favorite vacations included Disneyland with the kids, as well as trips to Nashville, Graceland, and the Grand Ole Opry. She and Clarence made a few trips to Florida, to Rhode Island and throughout most of the United States as well as to Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal. Several trips also occurred to Alberta and British Columbia over the years.

      Annette was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Annette's favorites were the dogs named Buffy and Cactus. Both Buffy and Cactus lived for 13 years and had many fun times travelling in the car and playing with Annette and the kids.

      When Annette's retirement finally arrived in she never really retired as she continued to work with Wanda doing demos of food products and banquet service/ waitressing on a casual basis. She was especially proud to have been selected twice to serve at the Royal Visit of HRH the Prince of Wales in 2001 and again in 2005 during the Centennial Royal Visit of Elizabeth II.

In retirement, Annette found new pleasure in mall walking each morning with Clarence and her circle of friends, volunteering, shopping and spending time with her grandchildren. Retirement was a good fit for Annette as it gave her the opportunity to catch up with friends, attend functions and group outings, travel, and to tackle new interesting activities.

      After fighting a short but fierce battle with cancer, Annette passed away quietly in the early morning hours of November 13, 2008 at her home in Regina, Saskatchewan. This was right where she wanted to be.

Annette is survived by Clarence her loving husband of 48 years; her daughters Cheryl and Wanda; and her Grandchildren, Caitlin, Savannah and Stephen. Services to be held November 17, 2008 at Holy Child R. C. Church, Regina, Saskatchewan. Annette will be laid to rest in Riverside Gardens, in Regina, Saskatchewan.