Annette Schulze

April 3, 1963 – October 16, 2025

If love could be measured in laughter, pure kindness, and the warmth of a perfectly timed hug, then Annette’s love would reach the moon — and back again. Known lovingly to her family as “Nano,” Annette’s heart never ran out of space: for her family, her friends, her pets, and every person lucky enough to cross her path.

She was a dreamer with both feet planted firmly in love — the kind of woman who believed there was good in everything she saw, and in the power of family above all else.

Annette, 62, crossed the stream peacefully at home on Thursday, October 16th, 2025, cozied in the warmth of her bed and draped in the same love she poured so freely into others. She was welcomed into heaven by her beloved father, Heinz J. Bierstedt, whose arms she is surely wrapped within once more.

Born April 3rd, 1963 in Cleveland, Ohio, Annette was the cherished daughter of Wilma (Muller) Bierstedt and the late Heinz J. Bierstedt. She was the devoted mother of Robin Keenan (Schulze) and Jamie Schulze, and the proud Nano of Aiden Schulze-Newkirk, Cash Keenan, Clover Keenan, and Enzo Schulze — her greatest joys, brightest lights, and biggest sources of pride.

To her grandchildren, Nano was pure magic — a professional snuggler and partner-in-crime for every creative, messy, imaginative adventure. She always said “yes” to another round of wild, loud fun; yes to glitter, paint, and giggles; yes to another extravagant set-up of toys; yes to another popsicle — and yes to core memories that would last a lifetime. Her grandchildren’s eyes lit up at the sheer mention of her, for she was their favorite person.

Truthfully, she was everyone’s favorite person.

She often described her own childhood as “the most perfect anyone could ever dream of,” thanks to her incredible parents, with whom she shared an extraordinary closeness that shaped her into the loving woman she became.

Annette shared a truly beautiful life and countless adventures & dances with her husband, Gary “Vinny” Buist, her partner of over 20 years, and to who she was unwaveringly devoted. Their love was a true case of “love at first sight” — rare, deep, and treasured by them both.

She is also survived by her sister and very best friend, Christine U. Bierstedt, who stood beside her through every chapter of life — bound not only by family, but by an unbreakable sisterhood. She also leaves behind her beloved niece and nephew, Stephanie and Alex, who adored their “Tante” and shared countless beautiful memories with her, and her brother-in-law Tom who she loved dearly.

Her loyal puppy, B.B., remained faithfully at her side throughout her journey, offering endless comfort, joy, and “protection.” We are sure she is now surrounded by the beloved pets who had the joy of calling her heart their safe haven and home here on Earth.

Annette would tell you fiercely that her greatest accomplishment was being an amazing mother to her girls — and that she was. Endlessly nurturing, present, and selfless, she shaped Jamie and Robin’s lives with her unconditional love. They will forever count her as their best friend and guardian angel — their north star and guiding light.

She was the best Mom, Sister, Daughter, Wife, and Friend — but also a true visionary and entrepreneur. After a successful career as a cosmetologist, helping countless people look and feel their best, Annette followed her heart into her true passion — caring for animals. Long before it was common, she pioneered the doggy daycare and pet spa industry with her beloved business, Poochie’s Resort & Spa in Parma, OH. She created a space where pets were treated as family, touching the lives of countless animals and their owners throughout her community with her compassion, creativity, and dedication.

Annette lived a life defined by generosity, joy, and unwavering strength. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, she found peace — but not before fighting with everything she had for the people she adored. Even on her hardest days, she chose grace, patience, humor, and the purest love.

Her laugh was infectious, her advice wise, and her presence steady — a source of eternal comfort and light. She made ordinary days extraordinary, filling them with thoughtful gestures,boundless creativity, homemade warmth, and magic in the smallest moments. Annette’s love was the kind that changed people — gentle but fierce, steady but radiant.

Her family and friends will honor her by living as she did: with kindness, courage, gratitude, patience, and endless love.

As the song says, “I have a dream, a song to sing — to help me cope with anything…” Her dream lives on through everyone she loved: in every moonlit and star-filled sky, every wagging tail, and every heart she ever touched.

A memorial service celebrating Annette’s beautiful life will be held at Lee Funeral Home & Crematory, 11840 Highway 90, Little River, South Carolina, on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025, with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM and a service to follow at 2:00 PM. Guests are encouraged to wear purple, Annette’s favorite color, in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Annette’s memory to the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, 9500 Sweet Valley Drive, Valley View, OH 44125 — a cause close to her heart and reflective of her lifelong love for animals.

A guestbook is available at www.leefhandcrematory.