Anne Holdefer Obituary Photo FINAL

In Loving Memory

Holdefer, Anne K. (nee Lenzen)

February 23, 1949 - December 17, 2025

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Anne was born in Sappington, Missouri, and passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, at Evelyn’s House in Creve Coeur, Missouri. She left this world with dignity and grace, exactly as she wished, in a compassionate and caring environment that honored her life and spirit.

She grew up in Sappington, Missouri, and attended St. Elizabeth Academy, where her Catholic education played an important role in shaping her faith and values. She later continued her education at Penn Hall and William Woods University. Growing up, Anne loved spending time on her grandparents’ farm in Illinois, where she developed a deep love for animals and especially cherished her horse, Dutches, who brought her great joy.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life for 31 years, Bill Hippe, whose loving family continued to support and care for Anne after his passing.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Elizabeth “Liz” Fuhro, and son-in-law, Scott. She is also survived by her loving sister, Mary J. Lamb, and is reunited in peace with Mary’s husband, Jack Lamb, who preceded her in death. She is further survived by her brother, Thomas Lenzen; her cousin, Randy Gruber; and her former husband and Liz’s father, Gary Holdefer; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn and Ervin Lenzen.

She adored her “grand-dogs,” Lucy and Lexy, her daughter Liz’s beloved pups who filled her days with comfort, joy, and smiles, and she is reunited with her sweet grand-dog, Shelby, who preceded her.

Anne had been a beloved resident of Delmar Gardens of Chesterfield since 2017, where she was surrounded by compassion, friendship, and exceptional care. During her years there, she formed many deeply meaningful bonds with the amazing staff who became like extended family. She held special love and appreciation for Kristin, Jeremy, Lisa D., Vicki, Audrey, Theresa, Lisa L., Kourtney, Vanessa, Debbie, Gail, Jean, and Jane, whose kindness, humor, dedication, and unwavering support brought comfort and joy to her life.

Anne was known for her thoughtfulness and her deeply generous heart. She loved writing notes and sending cards, and thoughtfully choosing and giving gifts that made others feel seen and loved. Her Catholic faith was a steady source of strength, comfort, and guidance throughout her life, and she carried it with quiet devotion and grace.

Anne lived her life with remarkable courage. She faced lifelong mental health challenges with strength, resilience, and perseverance, overcoming many adversities throughout her journey. Her ability to continue loving deeply, finding joy, and showing kindness in spite of hardship is a legacy of strength that will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Humane Society of Missouri, 1201 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 and/or Evelyn’s House, PO BOX 790369, St. Louis, MO 63179 and/or National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1750 S. Brentwood Blvd., Suite 511, St. Louis, MO 63144.

Visitation Sunday December 28, 4:00 – 8:00 pm.  Funeral Tuesday, December 30, 11:30  am FROM KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois Rd. to St. CATHERINE LABOURE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 9740 Sappington Rd. for 12 NOON MASS.  Interment Sunset Cemetery.

 

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5 thoughts on “Holdefer, Anne K. (nee Lenzen)”

  1. Fly high Anne you were definitely my adopted mom I will miss u so much. Hope u are rocking with Ozzy now or to Bon Jovi tunes. I’ll remember walking in room n Bill saying full of crap how are u then u saying thats saint Theresa not full of crap. Then after my mom passed away 3 years ago u truly adopted me as ur other daughter. I loved bringing u in clip on earrings. Making u smile was special Im glad u are no longer n pain and finally with Bill . See u soon

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  2. Dear sweet Anne, I will miss coming to visit you over the years and bringing little Mitch, as you called him, with me the last several years. You were so loving and kind to both of us. And, you always put a smile on our face and made us feel special.
    We will certainly miss you but know you are in a better place with all the angels and saints. You will forever been in my prayers.

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  3. To Liz and family –
    You have my deepest condolences for the loss of your mom. She was truly a thoughtful and kind human being. She treated me like a friend and showed me kindness when others did not. She was always easy to talk to. Even though its been years, I can feel the loss of her no longer being on this earth. Take care.

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  4. Anne will always have a place in my heart. Childhood memories seem to stay with us the longest and Anne’s smile and laughter left an impression on me to last a lifetime. Condolences to Mary June, Tom and Anne’s daughter Liz.

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  5. Anne and I often lived under the same roof as youngsters. We remained in contact throughout her older years and I have many memories and letters from years gone by including pictures of the showing tremendous support she had for the St. Louis Cardinals. I know you’re looking down on us Anne ❤️ My sympathies to Tommy, Mary June, Elizabeth and daughter, as well as devoted Randy Gruber.

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