In Loving Memory
February 1, 1943 – July 23, 2014
Sabine Petra Kalis Flowers, 71, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2014. Sabine was born February 1, 1943, in Danzig, Germany, the daughter of Margarete and Hellmuth Kalis.
She met her husband, Sergeant Dennis Flowers, while working as a translator for the United Nations (she spoke four languages). They were married May 17, 1963, in Kirn, Germany. They had five children: Sheila (Michael) Johnson, Canton, GA; Amber (Kurt) Wielkens, Spanish Fort, AL; Derek Flowers, Mobile, AL; Logan Flowers, Birmingham, AL, and Simon Flowers, Mobile, AL. She was the proud grandmother of five grandchildren; Lane and Maggie Johnson and Julian, Shepard, and Sidney Wielkens.
Prior to Dennis’s retirement from the U.S. Army in 1980, the family moved often, living in Germany, Texas, California, Italy, and North Carolina, finally settling in Mobile. Sabine enjoyed the time spent raising her children until they were grown, when she began a new career as a K-3 teacher at Kingswood Creative Learning Center. She was a beloved figure there for seventeen years. In a newspaper article about her retirement, she stated, ”I have enjoyed it immensely. I’ve learned more from my children than they’ve learned from me.”
After suffering a minor heart attack, Sabine joined the cardiac rehabilitation program at Springhill Memorial Hospital. She was an enthusiastic participant in her own recovery, made all the better by the many friends she made while working out there three times a week.
Sabine loved animals. There was never a stray cat or dog who didn’t become part of the family. She also enjoyed being outdoors, taking her much-adored dog, Reggie, on twice-daily walks around her neighborhood.
Everyone who knew and loved her will miss Mom’s presence, but she will live on in our hearts forever. We will miss her accented English (which we constantly teased her for), her general flightiness (which we found endearing), and her enduring kindness and optimism (which we try to emulate). At Mom’s request, no services will be held, and her children will be scattering her ashes in San Francisco Bay. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Heart Association.
Expressions of condolence may be offered at www.hughesfh.com. Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home and Crematory, 7951 American Way, Daphne, AL.
I was so sad to read Sabine’s name in today’s obituary. I happened to see it (sadly enough), because my husband’s brother is in today’s obituary, as well. I thoroughly enjoyed working with and knowing Sabine through the years. She and I would often stay after everyone else had left school to discuss life, family, etc. She was so very bright and so very unique. I hate that we had lost touch over the last few years. I considered her a very special friend. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, her family.
How shocked I was to see that Sabine had passed. I worked with her for 17years at Kingswood Creative Learning Center. She was a free spirit. She loved to do fun art work with the children, like the tine she had the kids paint a dead fish and make a beautiful print of it body which I have. My grandson was in her class. He is 21 years old now but he still remembers Miss Sabine. Next tine I am in California I will stop by San Francisco Bay and say hello.
Sheila, Amber,Derek, Logan and Simon I was saddened by the news of your mother’s passing. I’ve lost my closest and dearest friend. I have been trying to get in touch with her since January and was really hurt to find out that she passed away and no one could let me know! Your mother was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. We shared so many laughs together and we also shared many tears as well. I know your Mom will be missed by many people. I feel like I knew each one of you through our many lengthy phone calls. We talked to each other almost every day! I still have so many special memories of her and will cherish each one of them. We had so much fun on the cruise we took together and many fun times scouting yard sales, estate sales going to art classes together and of course all the time we taught together at Kingswood. Again, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know this past year has been a difficult one for all of you! My deepest sympathy,
Joan Wells
Amber, I am sorry for you and your siblings’ loss. I give you my best. Could you tell Julian, Shep, and Sidney the same and that I say hello?