July 13, 2019 – West Bend, WI – The world lost the gregarious, stubborn, easy-to-smile R. Anne McCrimmon, 86, of West Bend, on Thursday, July 11, 2019.
Before she left, Anne wrote stories about her life for her kids and grandkids, so in her paraphrased words:
From the time she could first remember, her dad would take the family to the library. She loved spending time there and when she was in 8th grade, the librarian asked if she wanted to help put books away. She never would have guessed that she would spend 22 years working in a library or belong to 3 book clubs at the age of 86.
As a young woman, Anne enjoyed bourbon on the rocks and dancing in downtown Chicago. She met her husband Russell at the age of 8, but didn’t give him a chance until he offered her a ride home on a very rainy day more than 12 years later. She cleaned up her act and they celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary this year.
She loved laughing, the arts, nature and engaging in good, old-fashioned political debate. And she loved doing those things with her family; first, with her sister, Rosemary, then with her three children, Tony (Mary), Cathy (Todd), and Sandy (Jim); two grandchildren, Carolyn and Gannon; a step-grandchild, Brad (Lexi); two step-great grandchildren, Arrabelle and Henry; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many beloved friends.
Anne is preceded in death by her brother, Richard, and brother-in-law, Kenneth.
About this obituary and funeral arrangements, Anne didn’t want any of this s**t – and she said exactly that, but we said “too bad.” so we came up with some things that she might have tolerated.
We invite you to join us at these events on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 a.m. at Anne’s church – Holy Angels Catholic Church, 138 N. 8th Ave., West Bend. And, in honor of her many years working at the public library, let’s tell stories…specifically, stories about Anne. Join us that evening, from 7:00-8:00pm in the Old County Courthouse of the Washington County Historical Society (320 S. 5th Ave., West Bend) – one of Anne’s favorite places.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to your local public library in Anne’s name. (If you have any unwanted books, consider donating those, too.)