Anne Bicanich Stern

For Katrina's sun dial

Time is too slow for those who wait,

Too swift for those who fear,

Too long for those who grieve,

Too short for those who rejoice,

But for those who love, time is

Eternity.

Henry Van Dyke, American author

Today we have joined here to mourn the loss of a mother, aunt, and grandmother. More importantly, however, we have gathered today to celebrate the life of a tremendous woman whose compassion and warmth towards others transcends any familiar title. A woman for whom if she had not lived her 104 years of life with the passion, integrity, and compassion that she did, most of us here would not hold the same virtues, principles and love for life that we do.

I chose to share this poem at today’s service because it speaks to the power of love—a force that consistently displayed itself throughout my great-grandmother’s life. This selection should remind us all that any pain the loss of this wonderful woman may have left us with pales in comparison to the love she has touched our lives with.

May the legacy of Anne Stern serve as proof that a life lived in love is the only life worth living:

For a live lived waiting moves too slowly

A life lived in fear—remorseful and fleeting

A life lived in grief –long and full of suffering

But a life lived in love is everlasting.

May we take this moment and many moments in our futures to reflect on the prosperous life of Anne Stern and recount the infinite ways she has touched us all. Let today be a day to celebrate the love Anne has left us with—for the love she fills our heart with is truly where she lives, and will continue to live eternally.

Vanessa Mensie, Author

Anne Stern, Age 104, born in Chisholm, MN Sept 11, 1909. She passed away peacefully at ManorCare, Arlington Heights on Sept 29, 2013. She lived in Arlington Heights for 30 years. Anne was a kind and generous person. She loved to cook and especially bake. Recently she received a note stating she had a special place in the person's heart, because she helped make their childhood memorable. She was loved by all her knew her. Anne was predeceased by her husband, Irwin; daughter, Ileone Boersma; son, David Stern; parents George and Katherine (nee Mihelich) Bicanich; sister, Angeline Gornick; and brothers, George, John and William Bicanich. She is survived by her daughter Deborah and special son-in-law, James Clark; grandaughters, Lisa Lille (Gregory Kleczynski), Delise (Gregory) West; grandsons, David Lille, Jeffrey Lille (Wendy Wong); great-granddaughters, Vanessa and Alyssa Mensie; great-grandsons Caleb and Ethan Lille, and Jackson West; dear sister-in-law, Louann Bicanich of Minneapolis; son-in-law Gordon Boersma and fond aunt of many nieces and nephews. Anne was active well into her mid 90s and especially enjoyed her recent 104th birthday party. Graveside funeral service, Tues, Oct 1, 2013, 11 am at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W Rand Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, PO Box 10086, Toledo, OH 43699-0086, www.heartlandhospicefund.org or your favorite charity . Funeral Info: 847-256-5700