Ann Lillian Wilson

Ann Wilson, age 89, of Bellingham, WA, passed away July 9, 2014. She was born on July 22, 1924 to Mary Stuksa in Cleveland, OH, and was raised with her cousins, Ellen and Charles Smolka. Ann graduated from John Adams High School in Cleveland with a specialization in design and department store management. After high school, she worked for the Higbee Company, Cleveland Pneumatic Tools and studied fashion design. Ann met Robert Wayne Wilson Sr. at a dance in Cleveland. Ann and Bob married in 1947. They started their family in Euclid, OH, with subsequent moves to Elyria, OH, and then Rockford, IL. In 1994, Ann moved to Bellingham, WA. Known to those who loved her as Annie, she volunteered at St. Anthonys Hospital in Rockford for many years. Ann also worked at the Rockford Historical Museum and was actively involved in historical community events. She took great joy in her dogs Mimi, Nugget and Checkers, and enjoyed playing pinochle and dominoes. In Bellingham, she helped lead a craft group that supported veterans and the homeless. Ann was preceded in death by her husband Robert Wayne Wilson Sr, her mother Mary Stuksa, aunt Lillian Stuksa, uncle Fred and his wife Garnett Stuksa, and aunt Christine and her husband Charles Smolka, as well as their son, Charles. She is survived by her daughter Gayle and son-in-law Roger Shipley of Bellingham, daughter Dr. Marlene Wilson and her partner Annette Smith of Columbia, SC, and son Rob and daughter-in-law Janet Wilson of Carmel, IN. She was a beloved grandmother to her four grandchildren Amber Shipley, Robbie Wilson and wife Ashley, Art Shipley and partner Emma Kent, and Ryan Wilson. And she was a doting great-grandmother to Lucy Ann Wilson. Lucy carries on Anns name and brought our Annie immense joy during her final years with us. She is also survived by her dear cousins, Ellen Smolka and husband David Guzak and Anna Marie Marra and her family. Farewell Tribute Information The family welcomes you to join in a celebration of Anns life at the Zabor Funeral Home in Parma, OH on Saturday, July 19th. Visiting with family is from 10 till 11 am. A memorial is at 11 am with a graveside service to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, or support of the homeless in your community.

Ann Lillian Wilson

July 22, 1924 - July 9, 2014