Anne Degen

Anne was born in Glasgow, Scotland and came to Australia in 1952 with her parents and brother.

Anne lived and went to school in the western suburbs in Melbourne and had very little contact with Melbourne Jewish life in the 50’s, although she and her brother went to Cheder in Moonee Ponds until her brother had his Barmitzvah. Her family life was traditional, not necessarily Zionistic.

Her parents moved to St Kilda in the early 60’s so their children could mix with Jewish children.

Anne married her husband Jeff in 1970. They have two sons and four grandchildren.

Not having grown up in the Jewish community, and not having gone to a Jewish school, Anne was encouraged to join WIZO in 1972, not long after her eldest son was born, in order to make some new friends.

She joined WIZO Golan but later changed groups to WIZO Masada. In both groups, she has been involved in catering, membership and Treasurer. 

In recent years Anne was Treasurer of WIZO Victoria for 13 years.

Anne has been made a Life Member of WIZO Australia and she received the Rebecca Sieff award for her dedication to WIZO.