Anna Marie Van Keirsbilck

Anna Van Keirsbilck, an independent and compassionate woman, who lived a life marked by resilience, curiosity, faith, and love, passed away peacefully on November 26. She was 98.

Born on August 17, 1926, to Swedish immigrants Anton and Ruth Pearson, Anna embodied the American dream her parents sought. Growing up during the Great Depression, she learned the value of hard work, creativity, and resourcefulness. In High School she played piano and clarinet and took classes in drafting, welding and wood turning. From salvaging nails from her father's cabinetmaking projects to helping build her childhood home, Anna embraced challenges with determination and joy.

Anna's adventurous spirit was evident early in life. She took flying lessons as a teenager, earning her pilot's license in 1945. She cherished the thrill of the skies and dreamed of joining the WAFS (Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron), a goal narrowly missed due to the war's end. Her passion for aviation led her to a career with TWA, where she excelled in roles ranging from mechanic of weight control to union recording secretary, breaking gender norms with grace and grit.

Anna met the love of her life, Fritz Van Keirsbilck, while working at TWA. They married in 1947, building a life together rooted in mutual respect and shared values. Anna designed the plans for their family home, where they raised four children. Her unwavering devotion to her family extended to her six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

A lifelong learner and teacher, Anna poured her energy into her family, church, and community. She taught her children life skills, nurtured their independence, and supported their diverse pursuits. Later in life, she turned her focus to music, serving as the organist for her church for over 30 years, bringing joy and comfort to many. Her talents inspired many of her offspring to embrace various musical avenues. She also worked at Weight Watchers for 19 years and later belonged to TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) where she made lifelong friends.

Anna's family will remember her humor, strength, and the countless ways she enriched their lives. She is survived by her children, Linda Beem (Bruce), Steve (Sheila), Carol McCaslin (Dale), and Dennis (Pam), grandchildren—Beverly Broner (Mike), Chris Van Keirsbilck (Lucy), Stephanie Simpson (Tom), Shay Van Keirsbilck (Kristy), Teresa Bedell (Michael), David McCaslin (Raina)—and her great-grandchildren. She is reunited in peace with her husband, Fritz, her parents, and her brother, Raymond.

A celebration of Anna's life will be held at Holy Family Church on December 11, 2024, where we will honor her legacy of love, service, and adventure. Donations can be made in her memory to Holy Family Church where she was a founding member.

Anna's story reminds us of the beauty of a life well-lived—a life filled with purpose, courage, and the enduring power of family and faith.