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Anneliese Reich Oppenheim, 76, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday, May 18, following a long and debilitating illness. A classically beautiful and smart German woman, Anneliese’s stubborn determination, warm personality and desire to help others attracted friends from all walks of life throughout her life. She was a loyal and generous friend, an admired small-business owner and an accomplished artist. She enhanced the lives of all who surrounded her and was a “second mama” to many. Anneliese came to the U.S. in 1968, arriving in New York City at the age of 20 from Fritzlar, Germany, where she was born and raised. She learned English while serving as a nanny and relocated to Tallahassee in 1975 to attend Florida State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in Art Education. Her initial plans for teaching art changed soon after securing a position in 1978 as a researcher for FSU’s Policy Science Program. She soon advanced to become director of the program’s Research Center, which she ran until joining RB Oppenheim Associates in 1989 as Research Director. Two years later, she launched her own independent market-research firm, Oppenheim Research, which she ran successfully until selling the company and retiring in 2020. During its nearly three decades under her leadership, Oppenheim Research served clients throughout Florida and the U.S., specializing in high-quality surveys and focus groups. Many friends and the children of friends learned important skills working for Anneliese at both FSU and Oppenheim Research. She was a mentor and friend to many. While always savoring her German roots – especially its wine and cuisine – Anneliese proudly became a U.S. citizen in 1981. Anneliese was married to Rick Oppenheim, whom she met while working together at the long-gone Subway Station restaurant on W. Tennessee Street in Tallahassee. They became friends and roommates, marrying in 1980. Two years later, she gave birth to her pride and joy, daughter Cassie Oppenheim (now Malloy). Anneliese and Rick divorced in 2001 but continued to grow their friendship over the years. Anneliese’s great passions included art, culture, travel, her furry companions, spending time with her toes in the sand at her condo at Blue Mountain Beach (her “happy place”), being Mom to Cassie and a doting “Oma” to her beloved granddaughter, Kyla. Kyla was the apple of her eye. Throughout her extended illness, Kyla could always bring great joy to Anneliese. Anneliese’s love for art permeated every aspect of her life. She was a natural artist, skilled in many artistic pursuits, including drawing and painting, and in recent years created beautiful mosaic tile work. She was a longtime member of LeMoyne Art Foundation and served as its President in 2001, advocating for funding for the arts and supporting many local artists and events. She loved flowers and flower arranging and gifted her talents at the weddings of many family members and friends. Anneliese was predeceased by her parents, Anny and Lothar Reich and her brothers Jurgen Reich and Claus (Heike) Reich. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cassie and Evan Malloy; granddaughter Kyla Malloy; brother Peter (Hilde) Reich and their son Stefan; niece Michele Reich (daughter of Claus and Heike); and beloved cousins Barbara (Michael Haas) Lehner and Lea Sophia Lehner. Anneliese also leaves behind Sophie, her golden retriever who refused to leave Anneliese’s side as she grew sicker and unable to leave the house. Anneliese also leaves many close friends with whom she traveled the world and enjoyed many happy memories. She will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anneliese‘s memory may be made to LeMoyne Arts Foundation at 125 N. Gadsden St., Tallahassee, FL 32301, or online at www.lemoyne.org A Celebration of Life will be held at the family home on Sunday, June 9, 2024. For information and to RSVP, please email AROmemorial@gmail.com. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Anneliese Reich Oppenheim

September 15, 1947 - May 18, 2024