Anne-Marie Sovdi
June 20, 1951 – December 5, 2021

It is with utmost sadness that we share on December 5, 2021 at the age of 70 years, Anne-Marie Sovdi passed away peacefully in Vancouver, BC, surrounded by the love and presence of family. Anne-Marie was born in Aarhus, Denmark and moved to Canada with her family when she was 10 years old, settling in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver. In 1969, Anne-Marie met Allan, her soulmate and husband of 50 years, in Vancouver and they married on March 27, 1971. 

Not long after their nuptials, Anne-Marie left the big city for rural farm life, near Outram, Saskatchewan. They spent nearly 25 years as grain farmers and raised their four children in a tight-knit, prairie community. Anne-Marie adjusted to the demands and practicalities of farm life, always ensuring the coffee pot was on and snacks were at the ready, should a neighbour pop in for an impromptu visit. She delighted in hosting and getting to know new family and friends.

When the children were older, Anne-Marie took some part time work in Estevan. With the kids grown, Anne-Marie and Allan sold the farm and moved to Estevan then onto Regina, where she was able to enjoy visits with her children and grandchildren. In 2013, Allan and Anne-Marie settled in Victoria which allowed her numerous occasions to reacquaint with her siblings. She also delighted in working at Butchart Gardens for many seasons where she actually "did stop to smell the flowers" and take many photos. She loved going for walks in the beautiful, lush neighbourhoods of Victoria. Anne-Marie was a very talented artist, exploring and perfecting many mediums, including painting stunning pieces of art for family and her church, knitting, crocheting, sewing, creating detailed and delicate paper doll art and custom greeting cards. From her early days on the farm, Anne-Marie's hands were never idle. She was always blessing others with her curiosity, creativity and work ethic; excited and eager to try new projects. 

She leaves to mourn her husband Allan: her daughter Julie (David) Hilderman and their children Jenna and Jacob; her son Clayton (Tara) Sovdi and their children Mathew and Brayden; her son Terry (Shaura Fenichel) and his daughter Jaydin (Lane Williams) and their children Bennett and the new-born Ivy Anne-Marie, and Shaura’s son Jaron; her son Aaron (Jill) Sovdi and their children Kate and Duke; sisters Inge (Alfred) Maier; Karen (Charlie) Metzger; brothers Johannes Nielsen and Niels Nielsen. Sisters-in-law Marguerite Bryson, Janet Jorgenson, Karen (Keith) Memory, and Gloria (Calven) Johnson. She also leaves to mourn many nieces and nephews.

Anne-Marie was predeceased by her parents Anker and Esther Nielsen; Allan's parents Earl and Mabel Sovdi; infant grandson Nathan Sovdi; sister-in-law Debora Nielsen; brothers-in-law Doug Bryson, Lorne Sovdi, sister-in-law Dorothy Sovdi and infant sister-in-law Eileen. Two nephews Bruce Bryson and infant nephew Kevin Memory.

A precious wife, mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend... she wore many hats and she wore them well. Anne-Marie lived her life with a joyous spirit and energy that drew many people to her. Gifted with a loving, humble, ever-helpful and authentic soul.