Thursday, April 25, 2024
Annie passed peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 15, 2022. She lived a long life centered around her love of Christ, her love of music, her joy of gardening (she qualified as a Master Gardener), and of helping others.
She was born to Clarence and Grace Hanson in Little Falls, Minnesota. She began a lifelong love of animals at her parents' farm and learned to drive a tractor, among other tasks, helping her parents.
After graduating from Little Falls High School, Annie attended Fairview Nursing School in Minnesota before moving out to the Seattle area to attend the Lutheran Bible Institute (LBI).
At LBI she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Fortnum, and several lifelong friends. She and Bob were married at Phinney Ridge Lutheran in Seattle and settled in Edmonds, where they raised a family.
Along the way, Annie learned to play the piano and organ, playing for many churches. In retirement she took up the harp, giving her tremendous joy and continuing to play for others.
Annie worked at several hospitals and LBI as an RN as part of her caring nature, helping patients in Morton, Washington, and Pac Med in Seattle among others.
Annie and Bob were charter members of Christ Lutheran Church in Edmonds, where Annie remained a member until her passing.
Annie's greatest calling was to feed people. She loved to cook a big meal and invite anyone who needed a meal, especially during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinners. Many times, the whole family would gather to find a new, invited guest sharing the table. She also opened her home to exchange students, single moms, and anyone needing a place to stay while they determined their life's next step.
Annie created "Annie's Kitchen," a meal service to feed the less fortunate from the kitchen at Christ Lutheran, but it wasn't just about feeding the hungry. For Annie, it was about nourishing souls, especially those who are lonely. Annie's Kitchen has been wildly successful and continues to this day, feeding over 100 people per week.
Bob preceded Annie in death, and Annie is survived by children Nola (Brian), Nathan, and Jennifer; granddaughter Ashley (Kevin); great-grandchildren Cameron and Abbey; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Donations can be made in Annie's remembrance to Edmonds Lutheran Church or World Prayer League.
The memorial service for Annie will be held Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. at Edmonds Lutheran.
