My Aunt, Annabelle Henrietta McRae, was an internationally recognized violinist in her lifetime. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1896, Annabelle was a child prodigy and played violin for HRH Queen Elizabeth II. She then went on to play internationally for enthusiastic audiences throughout the world.  Despite her international travels, Annabelle was a proud Scottish national, and she loved to perform "bagpipes" on the violin. As a performer, she shortened her name to Anna Rae and used this name professionally.

        As a young woman, Annabelle studied violin under Hans Sitter in Leipzig.  She was married three times. Her second husband, "Ras" Rasmussen was awarded the Silver Dannebrog Cross for saving the life of the King of Denmark during a voyage at sea.  Her third husband, Arie De Heus, was Dutch, and the wonderful uncle I knew.  
     Although she had no children of her own, Annabelle was very close to her grand niece, Isabel Reade.  Isabel had four daughters, the eldest of whom developed a love of music and the violin, and inherited Annabelle's violin on her death.  The second daughter was named Annabel in honor of her great-great aunt and at her aunt's request. Today, the younger Annabel is a published author, bringing the name Anna Rae to another generation.

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