Ann-Marie Straits, 94, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2026 in Cocoa Beach, Florida. She was born on January 12, 1932, the daughter of the late Michael and Katherine Buchner.

When she was young, Ann-Marie worked along with her brothers and sisters at the family business, Buchner's Bakery. She graduated from East Aurora High School. There she was introduced by her dear sister, Dorothy, to the love of her life, Robert Straits. Dorothy happened to be dating Bob's brother, Clarence. The two couples eventually married, beginning years of wonderful memories in an especially close family relationship, sharing homes, hosting parties, and watching each other's children as they grew up.

In the late 70's Ann-Marie received an associate degree from The College of Dupage and began her own business, Straits Design Associates. She became a successful interior designer who was loved by her clients. She was a well-known and respected professional working with various showrooms at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago.

Everyone who ever met her saw her as the beautiful, out-going and stylish lady that she was. She enjoyed classical music and had a great talent for playing the piano "by ear". One of her favorite memories to share with people was when she had dinner with Luciano Pavarotti.

Ann-Marie would never turn down any kind of chocolate. A fun start to the Christmas season was the family tradition of her biting the head off of a chocolate Santa Clause which was timed with a drumroll. Everyone loved being invited to her Epiphany parties where she picked a different country each year, made traditional hats, and prepared foods representing the chosen country. “Bring your own pillow" turned out to be a surprise Japanese sit-on-the-floor dinner party.

Ann-Marie moved to sunny Florida and loved living right on the Banana River near the ocean. She was known in the neighborhood for her daily walks to nearby shops. She lifted weights, rode her exercise bike and played bingo right up until a few months ago. She was an incredible seamstress who could create everything from beautiful dresses for balls to Halloween costumes and draperies.

As she would always say…

God be with you and 3 kisses to you Moth, Grandmoth and GGMoth, we will miss you.

She is survived by her sons, Marc Straits, Brian (Jan) Straits and daughter, Heather (Craig) Straits Perratt; grandchildren, Nicholas (Erin) Straits, Zachary Straits, Camryn Perratt and a great-grandchild, Evelyn, along with her sisters and brother Louise Dreyer, Irene Fredrick, Carl (Jackie) Buchner, Susan (Ken) Sharp and many extended family members. She joins in heaven her loving husband Robert and dear brothers and sisters Charlene Seib, John Buchner, Dorothy Straits, Fran Butler, Glenn Buchner, Ralph Buchner, Robert Buchner and Roberta Quinlan.

She will be buried alongside her beloved husband, Robert Straits at Lincoln Cemetery in a private burial with the immediate Robert and Ann Straits Family in attendance.

The date of an Emmanual Lutheran service as well as a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to donate please send to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 550 4th Avenue, Aurora, IL 60505. Emmanuel was very close to Ann’s heart, as a life long member she still listened to their broadcasts when she lived in Florida.