Anneliese Schneider was born in Stuttgart, Germany, the first child of Franz Müller and Rosa (Rau) Müller of Radolfzell, Germany am Bodensee. She spent many long hours as a child working in the family’s butcher shop in post-war Germany. One of her memories was standing on a box at 7 years old so she could reach the sink to wash dishes, armpit deep, in hot soapy water with brother, Bernhard. She had a rough start, but she was a hard-working, tough lady who had dreams and goals!
She met Felix Schneider of Lahr, Germany while he was apprenticing to become a master coppersmith. They married in 1963, a year later having twins, Eva and Doris, then Jutta. In 1967, they courageously left the security of home in pursuit of the “American Dream.” Skilled crafts people were badly needed in the rapidly expanding aerospace and nascent computing technologies sectors. Upon arrival, Anneliese and Felix immediately went to night school to learn English whilst setting up a successful precision sheet metal business, S & S Sheet Metal in Tempe, Arizona. Anneliese helmed the office and business side, helping to expand the company over the next 25-plus years. The young family also became involved in a network of life-long close friends, among the first, Walt and Mary Cook’s family. She always thought of them as their “sophisticated” American friends who helped them adjust to American life. Many more cherished life time friends were made through the German-American club and various Kaffee klatsches in both Arizona and California.
Anneliese loved entertaining, planning and cooking special meals. Her family was always amazed at her ability to work long days and come home to create beautiful, healthy meals from scratch. Sunday brunch tables were especially impressive and meals could last hours. Their Fasching (German Carnival) parties were legendary!
Anneliese loved beautiful things and was gifted with abundant creative artistic vision and skill. She began her creative endeavors in fabrics and could sew absolutely anything! She loved keeping abreast of cutting-edge fashion trends. Her interests in fiber arts included: needle point, knitting, crocheting — even bikinis! She later explored applique, decorative quilts and even upholstery. She sketched, painted in both watercolors and acrylics, created wood and metal sculptures and designed furniture. She took an enormous amount of pride in creating beautiful living spaces, wherever she lived. She had a knack of expressing her playful side through colors, unexpected patterns and textures. Her creativity found its true outlet when she achieved a long sought after dream of becoming an interior designer, receiving her degree from Bellevue College, Wash. in 1995. She always wanted to live near the water, and she was able to fulfill that dream as well. She lived in Seattle, Wash. near Lake Washington, in Valley Center, California near ocean beaches, and finally in her last years, in beautiful Port Townsend, Wash.
She is survived by family across the globe: daughters: Eva Schneider, Doris (Schneider) Peterson and Jutta Schneider (Deb Schaack); grandchildren: Emmy Peterson and Oskar Peterson; her brothers Bernhard Müller and Franz Müller, sister Roswitha Weibel; and many nieces and nephews: Suzanne (Schneider) Robberts (Tom), Brigitte (Schneider) Williams, Karl Schneider, Katja Weibel, Michael Müller (Carola), Tanya Müller, and Christa Müller.
Many thanks to the amazing staff and residents at Avamere Port Townsend for creating a loving, stable and comfortable environment, particularly during the turbulence of the last two years. Deepest, heartfelt gratitude to Jefferson Healthcare providers and staff who were extraordinary in every way. Their mission and values were apparent in the care provided. You have held our family in the arms of care.
