Annamaria Bego Felbeck

Inka, as her family and close friends called her, passed away unexpectedly in her Ann Arbor home, May 28, 2024. Inka was born in Croatia July 7, 1937. (her parents, Antonio Jurina and Ada Terezia Baiffus preceded her in death.). As a young child she witnessed many horrors of the war and survived all of her childhood friends. She traveled Europe extensively in her youth and she graduated Master of Law in Zagreb, Croatia before meeting and marrying her husband, Donald Bego. Inka arrived in the United States on a pre-martial visa and became a US citizen in the early 1960s and Settled in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She gave birth to two beloved sons, Alexander and Andre. Inka and Donald divorced and Inka ran a household and worked full time at the University of Michigan Law Library, while her raising her young sons until she met David Felbeck, a true gentleman and scholar. Inka and David married and had a close and happy marriage for nearly 47 years. They moved to the area of Ives Woods and lived on Scottwood in Ann Arbor. Inka lovingly took on the very significant role of Mother to David’s three children, Peter, Jeffrey and Susan along her own Alex and Andre, managing this family of five close in age-highly intelligent, active children. She operated the home central masterfully.

Truly an animal lover, Inka raised a beautiful Siberian husky, Clyde who traveled the US with her and David. Animals loved her as well and even a neighbor's cat, Bosco sought her company, frequently visiting with Inka every afternoon, seeking tranquility with her.

Inka was a friendly and fascinating woman. Interested in all cultures, fashion, world history, art, music, theatre, and current events, Inka loved and avidly attended the Symphony, Museum of Arts and Broadway productions. She was fluent in Italian, Croatian, German and English. A strong, kind and compassionate woman, Inka was always making friends. She went out of her way to speak to strangers, to make them feel special and welcome. She had an incredible kindness and never forgot a name. Because of her generous personality, she made hundreds of friends from all around the world.

In later years, Inka and David retired to Glazier Hills Senior Living in Ann Arbor. Inka continued to make so many friends there. She was known to be generous and often would deliver the newspapers that she read cover to cover, and flowers to other residents' doorsteps. She adored flowers. Her home was beautifully appointed with art and various stunning pieces from her homeland and many travels, and she always kept fresh fragrant, cheerful flowers throughout.

Annamarie is preceded in death by her parents, Antonio and Terezia; first husband, Donald Bego; son, Alexander Bego and daughter-in-law, Chawn Cliborne Bego; husband, David Felbeck; and step-daughter, Susan Felbeck Schreiber.

Inka is survived by her son, Andre Bego (Nevada); grandson, Payton Shaw Lawler (U.S. Marine Corps); grandson, Silas Bego (Virginia); son, Peter (Maribeth) Felbeck (Wyoming) granddaughter Myra; son, Jeffrey Felbeck, (Rachel) Felbeck(Oregon), David Schreiber (Susan) (Michigan) grandchildren, Stefan Felbeck, Benjamin Schreiber, and Jeremy S. Felbeck.

Inka also leaves behind two “daughters” with whom she shared deep and meaningful decades-long friendships, Beth Bruce (Jochen Faber) (Michigan) and Zvjezdana Larsen (Missouri).

Her memory will survive in the hearts of the many many people whose lives she touched.

Memorial Visitation will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 10:30am until the time of the Memorial Service at 11:30am at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S. 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. Lite fare will follow the service.