Annie Segler z'I

Annie Segler z'I was born in Shanghai where her family escaped to when her parents were caught in the French sector during WW11. Her mother tongue was Russian, her first language French and official language Mandarin, and in later years she spoke eight languages. They escaped to Sydney where the family sought a more stable, safe homeland. She lived in Sydney until she married and moved to Perth.

Annie's introduction to WIZO was through her mother-in-law's commitment to WIZO.

Annie joined WIZO Yaffa and soon became President of the group. In those days, WIZO Yaffa was not just a fundraising group. It was a playgroup. It was an afternoon tea club. It was a baking kitchen. It was an outing group. It was a social gathering of Jewish women of similar age and ideals.

With her contemporaries they built the next tier of WIZO women, tirelessly working to raise desperately needed funds. She was President of WIZO State Council of WA from 1985 to 1991 after which she resumed the Presidency of her group until her untimely passing.

Annie received the Rebecca Sieff Award, considered the highest accolade awarded to WIZO volunteers, and to Annie, it wasn't an individual award but a team reward for all the dedicated work the girls of Yaffa had put towards WIZO over the years.

Annie devoted herself to many other Jewish and wider community services. She was involved with the Girl Guides organization for over 25 years.

In later years, after the loss of her beloved Hymie, Annie devoted herself to many other Jewish Community services. As a mark of respect and love, when Annie tragically passed away, her many friends, dedicated the Rose Garden at the entrance to the Jewish Centre to her memory.