Annette Anderson Deibel

1925 ~ 2024

OMENA–Annette Anderson Deibel died on a cloudless sunny day at her home in Omena on April 6, 2024. She was 99. She was born in Bay City, Michigan, to the late Oscar M. and Florence (Presley) Anderson on February 22, 1925.

After graduating from Bay City Central High School in 1943, Annette went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from the University of Michigan in 1946. Independent minded, she then moved to Toledo, Ohio, where she worked at the Headquarters for the National Exchange Club of America, then to Detroit, honing a natural skill as a professional shopper for Hudson’s Department Store.

Annette married childhood sweetheart Gilbert Deibel on April 30, 1949. For a short time after marriage, Annette worked at the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the University of Michigan Extension Office in Saginaw. Annette and Gil enjoyed 62 years of marriage and three children: Andrea Deibel Muladore (Michael Muladore), Laura L. Deibel, and Roxanne M. Deibel (Chuck Hodson). Gilbert predeceased her in 2011.

Unwavering in her commitment to community, Annette volunteered for many organizations during her life. She was a member of the Omena Women’s Club, the Omena Wine & Literary Society, and the Walkie Talkies Club. She volunteered for the American Red Cross, the Junior League of Saginaw, the American Association of University Women, the Saginaw Chapter of Lawyers’ Wives, and the Omena Presbyterian Church. Annette served on the Board of Directors of the Saginaw Symphony Women’s Association; Delta College, where she served as a trustee for 19 years, following in her father’s footsteps; Inland Seas Education Association; the Leelanau Conservancy; Northport Community Arts Association; the Omena Womens’ Club; ShareCare of Leelanau; and the Michigan Community College Association, serving as its President from 1983 to 1984. Summer musical soirees benefitting the Traverse Symphony Orchestra were held numerous times in her Omena home.

Annette loved to socialize. She relished opening her home to “assorted chocolates”-groups of seemingly incongruous people and viewpoints. Annette’s unique warmth, genuine interest in others’ perspectives, and an occasional theme or surprise always yielded a memorable gathering for all.

Annette’s survivors include her daughters Andrea, Laura, and Roxanne; sons-inlaw Michael D. Muladore and Charles A. Hodson; grandchildren Meagan D. Muladore, Erik M. Muladore, Katherine D. Fox, Linnea C. Hodson, and Evan E. Hodson; and great grandchildren Remmie L. Muladore, Ezrah A. Muladore, and Liam Barker.

Her family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Annette’s “Nicey Niecies,” Sue Anderson and Gina Harder, for their extraordinary dedication to “Auntie;” as well as her “fourth daughter,” Jeri Brown, whose thoughtful attentions and friendship spanned over forty years; longtime friend and helper Chris Kimmerly; her loving caregivers; and her many dear friends in the Omena community who have made her retirement years so rewarding.

Friends wishing to memorialize Annette may do so by contributing to the Northport Community Arts Center, Inland Seas, and the Leelanau Conservancy, or by buying stamps at the Omena Post Office.

A memorial service and celebration of Annette’s life will take place at a later date.