GALVESTON Beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Ann Lefeber Botik West of Galveston passed from this life to be with her Father in heaven on Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at age 63 after a difficult struggle with cancer. Ann was born September 9, 1947, in Galveston, Texas, to Dr. Edward James Lefeber and Ellie Hancock Weisiger Lefeber. Ann was a member of the Ball High School class of 1965, a 1971 graduate of Texas Tech University, and a 1989 graduate of the Wharton Jr. College School of Nursing.
In the 1980s while rearing a family, Ann taught art at Holy Cross Catholic School in Bay City and sold antiques (which led to a life-long interest in intriguing pieces of art and finely-crafted furniture). Her next twenty years were spent in the medical field as a Registered Nurse. Ann's exemplary outreach to patients and her professionalism earned her the UTMB 1992 Employee of the Year. By 2007, retirement brought a move to San Antonio and started the next stage of her life; however, she continued in the service of others as a volunteer in many organizations, including The San Antonio Food Bank and World Vision, where she recently sponsored baby Byron from Ecuador. Adventure, a love of travel, and an appreciation of the varying cultures and needs in this world kept her mind open, always learning, and giving.
Ann's life was spent bringing comfort and joy to family, friends, patients, and strangers. Her approach was sincere and caring. She connected with people easily because of her genuine interest in their lives and circumstances. Among her greatest gifts were a ready smile, a unique sense of humor, compassion for the sick and weak among us, and a generous, self-sacrificing spirit.
She was diligent in her faith, earnestly seeking to do that which was right. Ann believed in angels and their function on this earth. She, too, served others both in her professions and her daily walk and now resides in the hearts and minds of those who loved her and in the company of angels.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by: husband, Bill West of San Antonio; daughter, Jennifer C. Haglund and husband Hans of Galveston; sons, Gregory B. Botik and wife Larissa of Taylor Lake Village, and Brian E. Botik and wife Jennifer of League City; sister, Dr. Nancy Hughes and husband Michael of Galveston; brothers: Dr. Edward Lefeber and wife Faith of San Antonio, Robert Lefeber of San Antonio, John Lefeber of Baytown and Donald Lefeber and wife Rose of League City; grandchildren, Breeanna Botik, Logan Botik, Peyton Botik, Preston Botik, Caroline Botik, and Heidi and Hunter Haglund; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Memorial services are 11:00 am Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Trinity Episcopal Church, the Reverend William Fowler officiating. Entombment will follow at Trinity Episcopal Church Columbarium under the direction of Carnes Brothers Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Friday.
Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society.
Friends may sign the register book and send the family condolences at www.carnesbrothers.com.