In loving memory of

Anny Sigrun Lunde Nordanger
August 2, 1921 - August 21, 2010

ANNY SIGRUN LUNDE NORDANGER
1921-2010

Seattle lost a warm ray of sunshine on Saturday morning, August 21st, 2010, when we lost Anny, our beloved mother, grandmother, oldemor, great-grandmother, sister, tante and friend. She passed peacefully in her home with close family members at her side. Anny had a great passion for living, and she was bright, lovely, and charming at 89 years young.

The 6th of 7 children born to Peder and Trine Lunde on August 2nd, 1921, Anny grew up on a farm on Radøy, a small island outside of Bergen, Norway. Farming the rocky land was difficult even before the Nazi occupation, but the love, laughter, and closeness of her family left her with fond memories of her childhood.

After WWII, Anny met and fell in love with Einar Nordanger, a widower, and his lovely daughter, Aslaug. There were few job opportunities in Norway after the war. Anny's brothers Olav and Reidar along with their wives, Louise and Ruth, invited the newly engaged couple to join them in Seattle. Anny arrived in Seattle in1948 and Einar followed a year later when he was finally able to obtain his visa. They married in 1950 and settled in the heart of Seattle's Norwegian Community, Ballard, where Anny would live for the rest of her life. Anny and Einar were excited to become parents to Trudy in 1952, and in 1954 they proudly became U.S. citizens.

Anny often worked outside the home and had many outside interests, but was always home in time to have a hearty homemade dinner ready for Einar when he arrived home from the shipyard. She belonged to the Eastern Star, Norwegian Ladies Chorus, Seattle-Bergen Sister City, Pikene under Paraplyen, the Norwegian Hospital Association, the Norwegian Seamen and War Veterans Association, and Sons of Norway. She loved to follow and discuss politics, shop at estate and rummage sales, and never went to bed without a good book.

Anny's main passion was spending time with her family, friends, neighbors and her Norwegian community. Children were always drawn to her. Her door was open to all, making each person feel special and unique. She and Einar hosted countless gatherings and parties centered around singing, laughter, and wonderful food. She continued entertaining well into her illness. Over the years she taught many to make her Hardanger lefse and "Norwegian" pancakes, and despite many attempts they have been surpassed by none. Anny delighted in beauty of all kinds--in her home, her dress and in her garden. But her greatest gift was her ability to see the beauty in others and to enable them to see it in themselves.

Over the years, Anny made many visits "hjem" to Norway to keep the connections with her loved ones strong. During her short struggle with cancer, her granddaughter, May Britt Håland Vetås, niece Linda Bårdsen, brother Øyvind and his wife Kiss all came to the United States from Norway to be with her. Øyvind and Kiss were able to extend their stay in the U.S. and have now been staying with Anny and Trudy for more than 3 months. Immigration made a special exception to the 90 day rule because of their vital role in Anny's care.

Anny was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her husband of 33 years, Einar Nordanger, brothers Søren Lunde (Loretta) and Reidar Lunde (Ruth) both of Seattle, sister Marie Uthaug (Richard) of Norway, and Anna Brandsrud (Per) of Seattle. During the past 8 years Anny was able to provide care and meals for her sister Anna, so that Anna could continue to live independently. Anna Brandsrud passed away in November of 2009.

Anny is survived by her daughter Trudy Sigler (George) who reside in Seattle, WA, step-daughter, Aslaug Håland (Gunnvald) who reside in Bergen, Norway, brothers Olav Lunde (Louise) who reside in Seattle, WA and Øyvind Lunde (Kirsten) who reside in Radøy, Norway. She took great delight in her surviving grandchildren, Brian Sigler (partner Erica), Christina Parrish (Caleb) and great-granddaughter 1 ½ year old Liliana, all living in Seattle, and grandchildren, May Britt Håland Vetås, Gerry Håland (Kari), and Dag Atle Håland (Ann Grete) and great-grandchildren Linn and Lasse Vetås, Henrik, Lars, Eivin and Villiam Håland, all living in Norway. Anny also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, forever friends, and a legacy of unconditional love.
Anny wished to extend her gratitude to the nurses at Group Health Hospice for their remarkable care and compassion. She asked that memorial donations be sent in her name to Group Health Hospice: Group Health Foundation, Dept 4194, PO Box 34936, Seattle, WA 98124-9847 or to Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church: 2400 NW 85th Street, Seattle, WA 98117. Anny's close relationship with pastor Kathy Hawks of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church provided deep comfort and peace during her illness.

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." - Kahlil Gibran

Tributes

Evergreen Washelli wrote on Sep 7, 2010:

"May Britt with love"

Tom McAlees wrote on Sep 2, 2010:

"I only met Anny a few times, back in the 70's, when I was a kid, and her husband Einar and my dad (John) worked in the same shipyard. I even remember stopping by a few times on bicycle trips to Salmon Bay park. She was always so gracious, and always offered a snack or beverage when we stopped by to say hi. My condolences to the family."

Mark R. Sanford wrote on Aug 27, 2010:

"My heart is with all of you. I wish I could be in Seattle with you all during this time of sorrow to help. I love and miss you all and we'll be home by the holidays. Mark"