SAVEL, Annie-Surrounded by the love of her family, Annie passed away at Country Terrace Nursing Home, Komoka, ON, on Monday, January 9, 2017. She was born in Krakovany, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia) in 1924. Annie immigrated with her family to Canada in1938. They settled in Smithville and later moved to Welland. She is predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Martin, her parents, Gaspar Zeman, Johanna Palcut and Josef Cibik, her brothers Joseph Zeman and Jan Cibik and her sister, Bea Wagner. Mourning her passing are her son John (Sue Ellen), grandsons David, Michael (Jennifer) and Father Stephen, her great grandchildren Nick, Katie and Lucas and her brothers, Bernie Cibik (Adeline) and Albert Cibik (Anne) of St. Catharines and many nieces and nephews. Annie worked on the line at canneries in Niagara, did housework in Crystal Beach, (a thoughtful coworker there taught her to read and write English) and in Welland, at last finding employment in a good union job at General Tire until her retirement decades later. She was a proud member of The Canadian Slovak League, Branch 23, The First Catholic Slovak Union and The Catholic Women’s League of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish where she was a founding parishioner. Friendly, generous and outgoing, Annie loved playing or working at bingo, attending conventions with her friends, dancing, cards and a good drink. She kept her home meticulously clean. A great cook, she enjoyed entertaining family and friends for many years. A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Country Terrace for their loving, attentive care of Annie. The Savel family will receive friends at J.J. Patterson & Sons Funeral Residence, 19 Young Street, Welland on Thursday from 3-7 pm with vigil prayers at 6:45 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Andrew The Apostle Roman Catholic Church (East Main Street and St. Andrews Avenue) on Friday, January 13, 2017 at 11 o’clock. Rite of Committal to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. If desired, donations may be made to St. Andrew The Apostle Parish in lieu of flowers. On line memories and condolences at www.jjpatterson.ca As a memorial tribute, a tree will be planted through The Niagara Woodlands Restoration Program. A tree grows – memories live.