Anne Christie Innis

Anna Innis passed peacefully on the morning of August 8th, 2023, ensconced in the love of her son, friends & family. After an abrupt diagnosis of brain cancer (GBM) in May, her last few months were made comfortable by excellent medical and hospice care. She had time to savor the tender care of a multitude of friends, family and colleagues who were able to say goodbye through visits with favorite foods, Art, flowers, books, movies, poetry and especially music; impromptu outdoor picnics in the fresh open air were especially joyous. Anna Christina (known to many as Annie) was born January 8th, 1970 to Tom & Helen Innis; joyously welcomed baby sister to three older siblings. She was raised in the strong Greek community of Muskegon, Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan; a powerful fresh water ocean that matches her spirit and lifelong love of the Sea; a childhood filled with swimming, skating, sledding & sandcastles. Her father (born "Triantafyllos or Rose" in Greece) passed away when she was merely eight years, yet her life reflected his silent, authentic lessons of advocacy for the vulnerable, for children and justice. Anna spent a life-altering, formative year as a 16 yea...[more]

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ld Rotary Exchange student with a loving family in Rio de Janeiro where she became fluent in Portuguese and met lifelong friends. Anna studied at Indiana University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Telecommunications and Portuguese. Anna worked passionately for over 28 years with Air Canada (AC) based in multiple US cities; rising from Customer Service representative in Tampa to her last two years as Senior Manager, Business Development and Community Engagement USA, based in Southern California. Her career with AC showcased her sparkling intellect, diplomacy, integrity, reliability and creative energy, as she traveled the globe working with international colleagues and clients. Words cannot begin to capture Anna's life or the influence she had on all she met, befriended and loved. Like a kaleidoscope, she exuded a colorful effervescence that was ever evolving in varied patterns as viewed through the lens of each person she met. It is not surprising that we constantly learn more about Anna as we gather and share our unique stories. Her buoyant laughter will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Despite her intense work schedule, she gave countless hours to son Alex's PTA and as vice chair, executive board for CAST (Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking) and as board member for Autism Speaks. Anna was an Artist whose innovation and inventiveness was evident in all she touched. Her Art was expressed in her delicate watercolors, work presentations, interior design, fashion, video Art, dinners for friends, and colorful notes of love and ideas. Her greatest work of Art is 17 year old son Alex Tom van der Meyden; sculpted by her boundless love and attention. A heartfelt thank you to all who donated and notably friends Emine ErSelcuk, Georgia Manolas Walker, Jeanette Vincent and Adrienne Hogg for their tireless work in creating a GoFundMe site for Anna's care and son Alex. We invite you to celebrate her life, view her video and take time to read further, the loving tributes written by friends and colleagues on GoFundMe, FaceBook and Instagram. Anna's California friends also plan a celebration of life (details TBD). She is survived by son Alex Tom van der Meyden (father Diederick van der Meyden), mother Helen Innis Lutz, sister Connie Innis, MD, brothers John (Shannon) and William Innis, nephews Thomas, Lucas (Amanda), Dimitri (Elyse) and Sam Innis, niece Margaret (Maggie) Blake Innis, first cousins Kallie (Dave) Micalizzi, Jeff and Joyce Chonis (Savanna), Dena Zanks (Harry), Themis Karavites, cousins in Montreal and Athens, "daughter" Molly Herbert, primary caregiver Camille Santos and countless friends across the globe. In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts to: CAST Autism Speaks GFM SERVICE Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 185 E Pontaluna Rd, Muskegon, MI 49444. VISITATION: One hour prior to the service at the church. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery following the funeral.