Obituary of Anna Ruempelein

Anna Reumpelein (nee Awender), a beloved wife, aunt, and long-time member of the Denville community passed away peacefully on September 15th, 2023, at the age of 95. She lived a life filled with a deep sense of faith and contentment, leaving a lasting impact on all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Anna's life was marked by resilience, service, and warmth. Born on January 3rd, 1928 to ethnic German farmers in Yugoslavia, she spent her early years helping out on the family’s properties and enjoying time with her extended family and beloved sister Katherine. WWII brought tragedy and upheaval as her family was separated and exiled from their land. Thankfully, they were able to find each other again at a refugee camp in Salzburg, Austria. In 1952, Anna immigrated to the United States. Anna spent her life in Denville dedicated to her family, her Catholic faith, and her work at the St. Francis Health Resort.

For Anna, her marriage to her late husband, John Ruempelein, was the most fulfilling part of her life. Together they created a loving home, cultivated a beautiful garden, enjoyed entertaining friends and family, and cherished catching up over good food, coffee, and cake.

Anna lived her Catholic faith devoutly, embodying it through her actions and service, and excelling in her role as a Godparent. At St. Francis, as a baker, cook, and later in the gift shop, she brought joy and nourishment to the resort community. Anna’s passion for cooking extended to her home as she created bountiful meals for family gatherings inspired by her German roots. She continued to cook for and with her family well into her 90s.

Anna leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness, survived by her nephews, Harry Stein, and John (Eve) Stein, eight great nieces and nephews Geneva (Robert) and Rebecca (Scott) - mom Nina, Elizabeth (Milo), Adam (Madeline), Catherine, Victoria (Dana), David and Anna, and seven even greater nieces and nephews; Samantha, Charlotte, Charles, William, Luke, Alexander, and Margaux. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John Ruempelein, sister Katherine (John) Stein, and parents Georg Awender and Elizabeth Allar.

Anna's memory will forever be one of strength, love, and faith. Anna showed us how to find joy in the small moments in life and be grateful for what have. She often reminded us to let go of worries, saying “in hundert Jahr alles vorbei.” May she rest in eternal peace, and may her spirit continue to inspire us to live our lives with the same grace and love that she did.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday, September 23^rd, 2023, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 15 Myers Ave in Denville. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, or share your favorite memory of Anna here to continue to celebrate her life and let her light shine on.

If you would like to contribute to Anna's memory in your own way, please consider making a charitable contribution to St. mary's Roman Catholic Church by way of inmemof.org.