- Date Of Birth: January 23, 1914
- Date Of Death: February 27, 2014
- State: Indiana
Ann C. Heinrich
Jan 23, 1914 – Feb 27, 2014
CASSOPOLIS, MI – Ann C. Heinrich, 100 years old, of Cassopolis, MI, passed away after a sudden, short illness on Thursday February 27, 2014, in her home. She was born on January 23, 1914, in Tazewell County, IL (outside of Peoria), to the late Louis and Pamela (Cumming) Oetzel. On January 22, 1939 she married Harold R. Heinrich, who preceded her in death on August 3, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her sons, Robert H. Heinrich and James R. Heinrich and by her sister, Eileen Nimmo. Ann is survived by her daughters, Sue A. Heinrich of Cassopolis and Corlina A. (Robert) Brickley of Carmel, IN; her daughter-in-law, Margaret Heinrich of Rochester Hills, MI, her daughter-in-law Kathleen Heinrich of South Bend; eight grandchildren, Wendy Heinrich and Dennis Heinrich, both of South Bend and Brooke (David ) Hoover, of Elkhart, Frederick (Melissa) Coen of Rochester Hills, MI, Grant Brickley of Indianapolis, John (Melinda) Brickley of Running Springs, CA, Drew (Morgan) Brickley of Richmond, VA and Dugan Brickley of Running Springs, CA; thirteen great-grandchildren, Anni, Andrew, Brendan, and Catherine; Kayla, Allison and Samantha; Chyenne, Alex, and Sierra; Keira; and Tyller; and by a niece, Lou Ann (Bill) Nowastawski.
Mrs. Heinrich grew up in East Peoria, Illinois where she was valedictorian of her high school class and attended Bradley University for one year. After marrying Harold, they lived in Quincy, IL, Lima, OH (where the boys were born) and Worthington, OH (where the girls were born) before moving to South Bend in 1960. She was primarily a homemaker although she worked as a bookkeeper at A.B. Dick Products in South Bend which she and her husband owned for 13 years, before retiring in 1973. After retiring, they enjoyed travelling to places like Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Europe as well as taking cruises. They spent summers on Diamond Lake in Cassopolis starting in 1963 and in 1966 they bought their own summer home there. After her husband passed away in 2000, she moved into the house on Diamond Lake permanently with her daughter, Sue, who was her companion and care-giver for nearly 14 years.
From the time she was a little girl, Ann always wanted to see the year 2000. When she achieved that goal, she decided she wanted to live to be 100, since she was already so close. She achieved that goal in January and we all celebrated with one heck of a party, just a month before her death.
Best known as Mom or Mom H, Ann had a keen intellect with a quick gracious smile and a dry, mischievous wit. Her unconditional acceptance endeared her to all who knew and loved her. She was an inspiration and example to her family and all who met and knew her; and she was always the lady. Her family meals were legendary especially her pies. To say she will be missed is truly an understatement.
