Anne Iris German, 74

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Anne Iris German died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends: Jan. 23, 2024. For 53 years, she was the devoted wife of her high school sweetheart, the late Charles German. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Maurice and Bernice Chorney, and a loving confidant and friend to Maurice’s surviving wife, Suzy. Anne Iris graduated from Hope High School and the University of Rhode Island. For three decades, she passionately taught mathematics in the Central Falls school district, where she made an indelible impact on students and fellow faculty alike.  

Anne Iris was the consummate host and unmatched chef, who served not only the most intricate of dishes but also the driest of comments and the wittiest of one-liners. She enjoyed nothing more than bringing her friends and family together for celebrations of all sorts, often on a moment’s notice. Always up for an adventure, she was as excited for a trip to Job Lot as she was for a trip across the globe, and she consistently had a social calendar filled to the brim.

Among her favorite things: crossword puzzles, Jeopardy, quiet mornings at the beach, strong coffee and deep friendships. Anne Iris was a formidable force; purposefully fair and fiercely protective, and she always vocally stood on the side of right. She gleefully collected frequent flier miles, vintage dishes, enviable heels, library books and the simplest moments of lighthearted joy. 

A proud mother to her daughter and partner-in-crime, Brooke, and a surrogate mother to countless others, she was a loyal friend to many, all of whom were beside her throughout her breast cancer odyssey, nearly four long years. Bold and unwavering, she will be remembered and admired for her fortitude and steadfast determination. 

In addition to her daughter, Brooke, we celebrate a family she loved ever so deeply: her late sister Ellice and her surviving husband Joe; her older brother Walter Chorney and his wife, Gabrielle; her sister-in-law, Kathy German, and late brother-in-law, George. Anne Iris cherished not only her relationship with her daughter, Brooke (and husband Jesse Dean-Kluger), but also her strong bonds with her adored nieces and nephews: Allison Goldmann and Michael Beerman, Sarah and Stephen Chorney, and Josh and Sarah German. 

Contributions may be made to The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee: 220 East 42nd St., #400, NY, NY 10017.