Anna Ess

Sadly, Anna passed away peacefully during the early hours of January 23, 2023. She died due to complications related to corrective surgery for heart disease. Anna was born and raised in Pardan, Yugoslavia, to Peter and Maria (Albrecht) Zapfl.

To truly know Anna, one must have an understanding of her early childhood — a childhood she avoided revisiting later in life, filled with memories of many horrific events. Her happy, carefree life was suddenly changed at the young age of 13. Her father was a soldier as the world was in a stage of war. Her little town was suddenly under siege by the enemy, and she found herself placed into a concentration camp with her mother and sister.

Her family endured 3 years of persecution and suffering. While in captivity, Anna was not expected to survive due to starvation, which prompted a desperate escape by her mother and two daughters. Anna was dressed in several layers of clothing to hide her unhealthy appearance. No one could recognize her as an escaped refugee during their flee. They ultimately made their way to Austria where they were finally safe. Anna recalls having the time of her life in Austria, finally having a chance to fully recuperate while enjoying the beautiful country and warm people.

Soon after she and her family immigrated to America. They arrived December 23, 1952. In America, Anna’s life really began to blossom. The very next evening, Christmas Eve in Detroit, she met a man she recalled seeing in pictures. “That is a guy I would like to meet” she had said, and after 8 months of courtship, Peter and Anna were married on August 29, 1953.

Peter and Anna began building a beautiful life — the life they deserved. Anna raised their two wonderful sons while Peter continued working hard, refining his skills in manufacturing. In 1971, Peter and Anna took a risk that would later become a legacy, mortgaging their house to start P-Ess Sheet Metal Fab., Inc. This business continues to thrive today with their sons and grandsons. Together, Peter and Anna enjoyed a rich social life with numerous friends through the Carpathia club. They loved playing cards, bowling, and golfing. Anna participated in the choir and volunteered in the kitchen. They loved to travel and experience the world together.

“Omi” or “Mia” as she was called by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, loved hosting her ever-growing family for holidays and weekend gatherings, both at their home and cottage on Tee Lake. No matter when you showed up, there would always be one of her traditional dishes to enjoy — goulash, uvetch, rouladen, stuffed cabbage and peppers, palacinke, schnitzel, sauerkraut and potato salad. But her true passion was baking cookies, and we all have our favorites!

Anna’s life was profoundly affected by the atrocities brought on by her experiences during the war. At times known to be “a little stubborn”, that was the German ingredient. She was known to have a true sense of appreciation for the simple things in life. She cherished the life she shared with her family and always put family first.

She will always be remembered as the loving, generous, considerate, and caring person she was. She leaves us with a legacy passed on to her family by teaching us the true meaning of family pride. We have so much to be proud of, and we carry her warm spirit in our hearts. Anna was a devout catholic, and prayer was a part of her daily life. We will keep praying for God’s blessing, and we will continue her faithfulness.

Anna was predeceased by her parents Peter (1990) and Maria (2008); sister, Rose (1980); aunt, Antje Doetzkies (2022). She is survived by her two sons John (Elaine) Ess and Robert (Lynn) Ess. Also surviving are six grandchildren; Josh (Joray) Ess, Nicole (John) Manion, Jessica (Javier) Marcus, Ryan (Julie) Ess, Jenna (Ryan) Heslin, Sean (Jesse) Ess. She is also survived by 15 great grandchildren, Jaden and Jasmine Ess; Maximo and Maelyn Manion; Joaquin, Miguel and Simone Marcus; Kaitlyn, Nicholas and Matthew Ess; Cooper, Griffin and Layla Heslin; and Jakob and Amelia Ess.

A private family service was held in Anna’s honor. In lieu of flowers, please share photos, stories and memories here. Anna was strong- willed, devoted, loving, and a survivor. We will all miss her and the sweetness and warmth she brought to our lives.