Obituary of Anne Marie SCHMID-ESLER

April 3, 1937 – Winnipeg, MB July 17, 2013 – Calgary, AB Anne Marie Schmid-Esler, a well known Canadian Artist, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at the age of 76 years. Anne Marie was born and raised in Winnipeg. She attended the University of Manitoba where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1959. After travel and further studies in Europe, she returned to Winnipeg and soon decided to focus her education in the area of fine art (specifically ceramic sculpture). In 1964, she met and married John K. Esler, and based on his teaching opportunity, they promptly moved to Calgary. Continuing on with her education, Anne Marie graduated with a diploma in ceramics from Alberta College of Art in 1968. Around this time, along with her husband and two young boys, she moved into a uniquely built home on an acreage, just west of Calgary. Family life began and she embraced the many roles she had. Most of all, Anne Marie loved working in her studio, finding energy and inspiration from the spectacular surrounding landscape. Over the years her art career grew and flourished (spanning over 25 years). Anne Marie’s artwork is represented in gallery, university, museum and private collections across Canada and abroad. She was an instructor, advisor, and lecturer, as well as a recipient of several grants for projects and awards for excellence. The family would like to sincerely thank the entire care team at the Beverly Centre Lake Midnapore for their dedication and compassion, as well as, the incredible companionship care workers provided by We Care Home Health Services. She will be lovingly remembered by her siblings Hubert and Hanna; sons J.D. (Jacqui) and Sean (Tara); grandchildren Teige and Pippa, as well as her numerous extended family members and friends. Anne Marie was predeceased by her parents John and Elizabeth; and by her husband (artist/printmaker) John K. Esler. Family, friends, and those who had a special connection with Anne Marie are invited to attend a Celebration of her Life at the Ruberto Ostberg Art Gallery (2108 – 18th Street NW) on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 1:30p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would kindly ask that you make a donation to the J.K. & Anne Marie Esler Family Trust held at the Calgary Foundation (www.thecalgaryfoundation.org) Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Anne Marie Schmid-Esler, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.