Anna Marie (Michels) Avram was born on June 3, 1930 to Bernard "Ben" and Marie (Ludwig) Michels. She passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022, the Feast of the Baptism of Christ, at the age of 91. Having fought through several health issues, she was at peace with going to be with the love of her life and meeting the Lord. She died peacefully in her sleep.
She married Cornelius "Nello" Avram, the boy who lived across the street, on May 13, 1950. They were devoted to each other for just shy of 70 years with a deep love, mutual support and strong commitment. They raised four wonderful children, who are extremely grateful for the love she showered on them.
Anna Marie graduated from Madonna High School class of 1948. She stayed very close to her classmates and friends over the years. When her children were grown and on their own, Anna Marie went to work for Dr. William Weigel and then Dr. Ghulam Sheikh.
Anna Marie and Nello enjoyed traveling. They went to Europe and Hawaii several times and enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas and the Florida Gulf Coast. She loved playing cards-bridge, canasta, poker and shove-it and was a wickedly strategic player. She was a voracious reader, particularly espionage novels and enjoyed flower arranging. She especially loved giggling with her girlfriends, many of whom she knew since kindergarten.
After her mother passed away, Anna Marie became the beloved "matriarch" of the very large Michels clan. She was considered a second mother to her brothers and a few special nieces and nephews. At Christmas time, she baked, decorated and distributed up to 4 batches, almost 500 citron cookies too many family members and friends.
Anna Marie's Catholic faith was a vital part of her life and brought her great strength and comfort. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church and served as Extraordinary Minister for over twenty years. She devoutely prayed the Rosary every day.
Anna Marie was preceded in death by her adoring husband Nello; infant daughter Mary Ann Avram; her parents; three brothers and their spouses Robert (Patricia) Michels, Arthur (Lilian) Michels and Bernard (Lois) Michels; sister-in-law Carole Michels; and son-in-law David Lidecka.
She is survived by her children Michael (MaryAnne) Avram, Gary (Mary) Avram, Elizabeth (Robert) Simmons and Susan Lidecka; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother James Michels; sister-in-law Delores Avram and many nieces and nephews.
Anna Marie's family is forever grateful for the compassionate and loving care she received from the Copley Heath System, Avantara and Cindy (her personal caregiver). We also want to thank Anna Marie's brother, Jim as well as nieces, nephews and friends who offered much comfort to mom and all of us. She treasured her time with each and every one who came to visit, played cards, or took the time to send a note or just gave her a call.
Anna Marie will be forever in our thoughts and will be greatly missed by many.
Due to Covid 19 concerns, her visitation, funeral and burial will all be private. Those who wish to go onto St. Joseph Church's Facebook page will be able to watch the Mass take place on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 11:30am. Fr. Matthew McMorrow and Fr. Jerome Leake will concelebrate. Following her Mass, her private interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, 630-631-5500. Please visit our website where you may leave condolences for Anna Marie's family.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Heart Association or to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.