Anna K Eason

Anna K. Zender was born to Anna and Anton Zender, in Bellingham, WA. She spoke fondly of living her early life on the family farm in Kendall, WA, even after the untimely death of her father when she was age 3. During her teenage years, Anne, as she was known, moved with her mother and sisters to Bellingham when Anna remarried, and Sterling Anderson became her stepfather. He was a loving and cherished father figure for her and a kind grandfather to her children.

After graduating from Bellingham High School, she worked for Seafirst Bank and attended Western Washington College. It was at a dance at Western when her cousin, Kay Zender introduced her to the handsome dynamo, Larry Eason. He became her husband, love and light of her life until his tragic passing in 1987. Together they raised their three children, Laurie, Kelly and Tony.

Anne was the ultimate home maker. A spotless home that was always warm and inviting, cookies in the cookie jar, pies for every occasion, and music playing in the background, were her trademarks. Later, she would teach her grandkids her perfect pie making skills, before hustling outdoors to throw a ball around or shoot hoops. Holidays were filled with swing dancing with her grandchildren.

A book could be written entirely devoted to the “Harrier” years! Anne travelled to Alaska for many summers with Larry and the kids on their commercial fishing vessel, the Harrier. Enjoying time together on the water with her family were her most treasured memories. The harrowing situations became lessons in “trusting the Lord” and “saying prayers”.

In addition to being a world record holder in home making, Anne was elected to the Snohomish City Council for two terms. She was a member of the Professional Education Organization (PEO), the Carnegie Library Board, the First Tee, and most importantly St. Michael’s Parish. Anne could be counted on in her early years to plan parish dances, wedding receptions and picnics. In her later years, she could be found running the dishwasher at funeral receptions. She also put her organizational skills to use as a secretary for Monroe Middle School for numerous years.

Anne enjoyed traveling the world during her retirement. She went numerous places including Ireland with her friends Hellen Manzer and Fr. Patrick O’Neill, Hawaii with her sister Dorothy, Mexico with her sister Gertrude and of course trips to visit her children which were among her favorites.

Anne suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease over the last eight years. Watching Anne who was a vibrant, active, involved and lovingly mentoring person fade away, has been deeply saddening and challenging for all who loved her. Rest assured that with her deep love and devotion to our Lord she is dancing in heaven with her beloved, Larry.

Anne is survived by her children Laurie (Tim) Conley, Kelly (David) Corcoran, Tony (Christine) Eason, and nine grandchildren: Anna (Sean) Taylor, T. J. (Tassie) Conley, Nicholas (Michelle) Conley, Marion Conley, Claire Conley, Jane Conley, Bryon (Maddie) Eason, Jacob Eason and Lillian Eason, and 11 great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Dorothy Cooke; sisters in law Diane (Tom) Eason and Mary (Dennis) Eason, her cousins Kay Cox and Mary Williamson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Anne was preceded in death by her husband Larry Eason; parents Anna and Anton Zender and Sterling Anderson; sisters Gertrude St. James, Margaret (Sealund) Perry and Elizabeth (Smith) Ousdale; Larry’s brothers Patrick (and Mary) Eason, Tom Eason and Dennis Eason; as well as numerous brothers in laws and Zender family cousins.