Annie Esther Hempel

Annie Esther Hempel, age 93, of Pasadena, TX, passed away and into the Lord’s waiting arms on Sunday, December 15, 2024. She was born in Winchester, Texas on December 3, 1931 to Rudolph and Hermine Kasper. Annie was the second oldest of fifteen children. She left St. Michael’s Lutheran Church Parochial school after the 8th grade to assist at home, in the fields, canning and cooking in the kitchen, and helping in the care of her younger siblings. She demonstrated her intelligence every day despite the limited formal education.

Annie married Edward Charles Hempel on April 19, 1953 in Winchester. They were married for 63 years before Edward passed away in May, 2016. Annie and Edward had four daughters, three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren to bless and love. She was predominantly a housewife during her long life, having worked briefly as a nanny/housekeeper in the River Oaks area of Houston before her marriage. Annie had many talents and skills. She loved to cook for her family and they were provided amazing feasts with equally amazing desserts. She sewed clothes for her daughters and her daughters’ dolls. Annie made countless quilts for her family and also enjoyed embroidery work. She taught embroidery skills to her daughters who never undertook the daunting task of quilting, sadly. Most importantly though, she taught them a love for the Lord.

Annie was baptized on December 6, 1931 and confirmed on March 25, 1945 at St. Michael’s in Winchester. She became a member of Zion Lutheran in Pasadena in 1954 and faithfully attended over the 70 years. She was a 55-year member of the Ladies Guild and sent get-well and sympathy cards to Zion’s members over those years. With the help of her treasured friends Junell and Wesley Heinemann, she was able to continue attending Zion after her move to the assisted living facility. Daughter Sandy also helped with online worship in the latter years. Annie also led weekly devotions at The Reserve.

Annie was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Edward; her daughter Linda Diane Dankert; and her grandson Jason Lee Stanfield, along with her brother, three sisters, and numerous equally loved in-laws.

Annie is survived by her daughters Cynthia Stanfield (Edgar), Sandra Hempel, and Donna Huron (Andrew) and grandchildren Courtney Dankert Roberts (Glenn), Ryan Stanfield, and Kristin Sohns Stanfield. Her Great-Grandchildren are Tyler Roberts, Derek Stanfield, Tessa Roberts, Hayley Roberts and Madison Stanfield.

She will be missed by her family even as we celebrate her pain-free and care-free life with our risen Savior Jesus Christ. We hold firmly to his promises. “Behold, I am making all things new.” Rev 21:5

The family would like to thank the caregivers at The Reserve, formerly Colonial Oaks, for the kindness and care they afforded Annie over the almost 9 years of her residence. Thank you to the congregation and Pastor Brady of Zion Lutheran Pasadena for the service, thoughts and prayers. And many thanks for the outpouring of kind words, and prayers from our family and friends. Your support is priceless and appreciated more than we can express.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Zion Lutheran Church Pasadena or The Orphan Grain Train.