Annie Bottrell, 81, gently departed this life on January 10, 2026, surrounded by love and her two devoted daughters. Born on October 4, 1944, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to the late Oscar and Stella "Loretta" DePlonty, she was the youngest daughter of nine siblings. With Annie's passing, the DePlonty siblings: Milton, Marion Reid, Madeleine Chandler, Wallace, Wilma Cartwright Bertram, Betty, Stella, and John, are now reunited.

Annie was raised in a loving, close-knit family. Her upbringing on the family farm taught her many skills. Whether plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, or painting, Annie embraced any project with enthusiasm and determination. She often joked that she was a "jack of all trades and master of none," and knew that if she needed help, she only had to call on her brother Wally or her nephews.

Although Annie initially dreamed of becoming a beautician, her father encouraged her to pursue nursing by enrolling in the first Practical Nursing class at Chippewa County War Memorial Hospital. She became a licensed practical nurse in 1964 and began her career on 1st East at War Memorial Hospital. Her work expanded to private duty nursing, Dr. Finlayson's office, home health care, foot clinics, and lovingly caring for family members as they transitioned.

Beyond nursing, Annie was a gifted seamstress, creating stunning wedding dresses for her daughter, nieces, and friends, as well as beautiful quilts. Family gatherings were especially important to her, particularly the annual DePlonty camping reunions that brought together Canadian and American family members in joy and laughter.

Annie met Wayne Bottrell while renting skis, and their bond deepened as he made hospital runs in his role as a police officer. They married in 1967 and shared 53 years together until Wayne's passing in October 2020.

In her later years, Annie suffered from vascular dementia and, for a time, was fortunate to be part of the Take Five! program in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, a truly wonderful program that provided support, comfort, and a much-needed reprieve for her daughter Becky.

As her dementia progressed, her daughters, Becky and Lisa, made the difficult decision in 2023 to relocate her to Florida for assisted living. By July 2025, Annie required constant care, and in keeping with a promise Lisa made to her mother, Annie was brought into her daughter's home to ensure she was fully supported by both daughters in her final days.

The family was grateful to have hired Ruth Schulz, who quickly became part of the family while caring for Annie. Lasting memories were created through laughter, music, cooking, and dance, whether Lisa danced with Annie to help her walk, they shared nursery rhymes, watched The Beverly Hillbillies cook up their vittles, or simply spent quiet time together in those precious moments.

Annie leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished by her daughters Becky Bottrell and Lisa Schaefer; her three grandchildren: Frankie (Elizabeth), Emma, and Blake Schaefer as well as her sister-in-law, Teri DePlonty; her brothers-in-law Richard (Sandi) Bottrell, Paul (Carol) Bottrell, and Charles (Laurie) Gustafson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Annie was known for her radiant smile, the sparkle in her eyes, and heart full of kindness. She was affectionately regarded as everyone's favorite "Auntie Annie", forming special relationships with her many nieces and nephews.

She will be laid to rest beside her husband at a graveside service in Oaklawn Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. A small gathering is planned for the summer to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Annie's name to Take Five! at CLM-Community Action Senior Services