Anne lived on our block and she would emerge from her house every time my young daughter and I walked by, it was like magic. We made noise sometimes but other times we were so quiet I wondered how she knew we were there? Over the years my daughter Beatrix would always stop at her house, climb her steps, look in her mailbox, play on her lawn, and Anne would come out to chat. She loved that Beatrix had red hair just like she did. Then on Beatrix's first day of Kindergarten down at Myers WIlkins Elementary her mother and I walked her down the block to school, and of course like magic Anne appeared on her porch waving enthusiastically and encouraging Beatrix on her first day of school. Maija from across the street came out too and gave encouragement. As we walked on Beatrix smiled widely and said, "Wow! I feel like I'm in a movie!" Anne's presence as a loving and welcoming spirit on our block was something that made this place a better place to grow up in. In a world full of strangers Anne was like the sun coming out on a cloudy day, her social fearlessness was inspiring even to a cranky parent having a rough day, and sometimes she was the highlight. Anne made the world a better place every day. Thank you Anne. We love you.

The Flueckiger family were our neighbors when the children were growing up.  Anne and my son Michael were best friends.  Anne was an original, a little girl who thought for herself.  Brave, kind and unconventional, she stood out as a friend, a student, and so much more.  She leaves a void in the lives of Jane, her mother, and Peter, her brother--and also in the hearts of her many, many friends.

Anne with the Griggs Family

Anne, you made me a better person simply by knowing you. I loved our long talks about our shared passions, outdoors, music, film, food, and travel and I will miss your smile and laughter. Godspeed. 

Growing up together in Ohio, Anne’s easy and accepting ways were an enlightenment (I was a shy kid who didn’t often make deep friendships easily). Just as she fully embraced being her own individual, she equally embraced others for who they were. This was an important lesson to experience in real-time. Hanging out with Anne wasn’t just fun (although it certainly was that)–it also made me feel appreciated as an individual and helped me to appreciate other people in the same way. I remember being encouraged and inspired by her bravery and motivation, a combination which allowed her a life full of adventure. Her love of conversation and exchanging ideas, her curiosity, her delight in an absurd story, her contagious laugh, and her genuine interest in connecting with others made her not only loveable, but admirable.

I’ve been looking back at a few letters from Anne, from the days of our teens and twenties, when we had so much to say that we sometimes scrawled on and on for pages at a time. Our letters crisscrossed various states and countries, and yet re-reading her words now, I remember how little the distance seemed to matter. It’s startling how long-lasting the feelings from a childhood friendship can be, how they transcend time and space, spiriting you back to an afternoon hunkered down over cake, or a long, cold walk across town, or a loud and crowded music venue. Such feelings, such friendships, ones that mean something, leave a long-lasting imprint on your life, taking up permanent residency in your very definition of self. Anne was one of those kinds of friends, and I am grateful to have known her. I will keep her memory with me always. 

Tad and I are Anne and Peter's first cousins (me by marriage). Tad and the cousins grew up seeing each a few times each year, mainly over the holidays. However, ever since we moved to Idaho, Anne would make special trips to see us ... and the mountains. In 2020 we made our first Boundary Waters trip with her and we also got a chance to visit the farm in Grand Marois a month before she died. We all grew closer later in life and we miss her so much. The time we did get to spend with her in the wild places were unbelievably special and fulfilling. We love you Anne! -Tad and Paula Phelps 

Many of the wild places we lived to share with Anne

Many of the wild places we lived to share with Anne

Many of the wild places we lived to share with Anne

Many of the wild places we lived to share with Anne

Many of the wild places we lived to share with Anne

Many of the wild places we lived to share with Anne

Anne with Lana