Anneliese Narath
November 3, 1939 – May 15, 2025
Anneliese Narath, lovingly known as “Mom” to her children, “Omi” to her grandchildren, and “Omi, Omi” to her great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 15, 2025, in Temecula, California.
Born in Meppen, Germany, on November 3, 1939, Anneliese’s childhood was shaped by the hardship and uncertainty of World War II. At the age of six, she worked in coal mines, washed floors, ran errands, and did whatever she could to help her family survive. Despite the fear and hunger of those years, her family miraculously made it through. In 1942, they relocated to southern Austria, where Anneliese was raised and educated.
At 16, she began a merchant retail apprenticeship with Feinkost Anny Stocky and later earned her business degree. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to own and operate several businesses, including a home cleaning service, rental properties, and a caregiving business for the terminally ill. She had a unique gift for turning struggling businesses around and was known for her determination and compassion.
Mom’s life journey was both mysterious and adventurous. She met her future husband, Alexander Narath, at the age of 19. Together, they left Austria in search of a better life in California.
In 1960, at age 19, Anneliese immigrated to the United States from Austria. She was sponsored by her sister Thea and her husband Karl Schlosser and soon reunited with her husband, Alexander, and their only daughter at the time. A couple of years later, their son Alex was born, followed by their youngest daughter, Karin. Together, they built a life through sacrifice and hard work. Anneliese became the first woman to work at Farmer John, lifting 50-pound cuts of meat for hours at a time.
After 32 years of marriage, she courageously chose to start over and pursue her dreams: owning a home near the beach, traveling the world, and running her own caregiving business for the terminally ill—alongside her other businesses in house cleaning and rental properties. She was referred by doctors and families who recommended her to care for their loved ones and often had a six-month waiting list.
Mom loved a challenge, especially when a business was near bankruptcy—she was hired to fix them. Her background in business helped others grow and turn their ventures into profitable ones.
Later in life, Anneliese met her loving partner, Hubert, at a German social club. Together, they traveled extensively. She cherished meeting new people and lived with a joyful, adventurous spirit. She enjoyed encounters with John Travolta, wealthy individuals from different countries, and other notable figures during her travels.
In 2017, Anneliese faced serious health challenges. Her daughters, Maggie and Karin, stepped in to support her recovery. In 2018, after another hospitalization, she moved in with Karin and her husband Steve, where she spent her final years in comfort, love, and peace. Mom consistently beat the odds—surviving surgeries and illnesses when doctors thought otherwise. She loved living with Karin, Steve, and their cats. Up until two months before her passing, she walked around their home with her walker and enjoyed playing games.
With the support of family and a devoted caregiver, Martha, Anneliese received the dignity and care she deserved. We are deeply grateful for Martha’s support, especially for visiting her in the hospital on her own time. Martha gave Mom peace, love, and care as if she were her own mother. Mom was very thankful for Steve’s help and unconditional love. We are also grateful to Taylor for helping with Mom’s care.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Theodor and Anna Hermesmeyer; and her siblings Hugo Hermesmeyer, Maria Rechbauer, and Thea Susanna Schlosser. She is survived by her children: Maggie Wiemer, Alexander Narath (Mary Ann), and Karin Chavez (Steven); her grandchildren: Taylor (Heather) Ramirez, Alexander Jr. Narath, Andrew Narath, and Adam Narath; her great-granddaughter Lainey Anneliese Ramirez and step-granddaughter Summer; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family across Austria, Australia, Germany, and the United States.
In keeping with her wishes, services will be private. Her ashes will be scattered with her sister Thea over the ocean and in the mountains — the places she loved most.
The family invites you to share your memories and photos on this memorial page. Whether it’s a funny story, a heartfelt moment, or simply a reflection of her kindness — your words will help us honor her remarkable life.
Mom loved her family deeply, and they loved her so much in return. She always reminded us to take care of ourselves and live full, healthy lives. Though she passed away peacefully, her love, kindness, courage, strength, and compassion for others will remain with us always.
Mom’s life was a testament to resilience, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the goodness of people. Her legacy, marked by both hardships and triumphs, is a gift to those who knew her. As we remember her, we celebrate not only her accomplishments but also the warmth, kindness, and love she shared so generously. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those she touched.
Thank you for being a part of her story.
