Visitation
Born in Kalamazoo, MI on June 8, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Ame Kuilema and Ardis Hill Kuilema.
Ann is survived by her sister, Linda Croom (Dorwyn); niece, Sara de Lima (Greg); nephew, Andrew Croom (Libby); great-nephew, Michael de Lima; and great-niece, Mary Charlotte de Lima.
The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 15, 2025 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Fred Schuszler officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke County Friends for Animals, 417 Kirksey Drive, Morganton, NC 28655, Options, 412 E. Meeting Street, Morganton, NC 28655, or Burke United Christian Ministries.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Visitation
N/A
Service
May 15, 2025
11 a.m.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center
Committal
May 15, 2025
Forest Hill Cemetery
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Ann Kuilema.
It was a joy to color with Annie and work with her at the VA. She will be missed.
Knowing Annie was a joy, she looked at life as though she was wearing rose colored glasses. Chocolate chip pancakes at Dennys always made her happy. She will be missed💕 Tom and Denice Rechtiene
The first time I met Annie was during a COVID lockdown at the VA. Although Linda & I had to see and talk to her through a window & speaker, I was captivated by her genuine smile & eyes sparkling through her red framed glasses. Annie & I shared a birthday month & a love for jigsaw puzzles. I saw Annie several more times with Linda the past few years: visiting the beautiful interactive sound garden behind the hospital, touring the VA hallways, & chatting with Annie as Linda tried to organize her clothing and many keepsakes. Annie loved holidays, sending cards to the important people in her life. She frequently drove her younger sister nuts asking for Easter cards while not yet finished writing out her Valentines; or Halloween cards in July. I’m sure I have met sweet individuals with pure souls a number of times in my life but recall none whose heart was bigger than Annie’s.
What a joy it was to have you as part of my family for so many years. Safe passage to your next journey.
An absolute blessing to have known Ann, she always reminded me to have fun. She was loved, and will be dearly missed.