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Anna Ruth Svensen

September 30, 2014

Anna Ruth Svensen, 83, of Vanderhoof, BC, died peacefully on September 30, 2014, at St John Hospital in Vanderhoof. Born May 13, 1931 in Farley, New Mexico, she is predeceased by her parents, Russell D. and Anna B. Pittman of New Plymouth, Idaho, her husband Duane C. Svensen, and her brother, David A. Pittman of Baker City, Oregon.


After spending her childhood in Farley, Anna moved to New Plymouth in 1946 where she completed high school and married Duane on September 8, 1950. Anna and Duane moved to Lebanon, Oregon in 1959, where they raised four children and worked on many family ventures for nine years with Sherman and Elsie Svensen, starting with a sewing business and then a successful dairy farm. Anna kept the books for Svensen Logging after moving to Vanderhoof in 1969, where they made their home for twenty-three years before retiring to Sunset Beach on Fraser Lake, BC. She loved “the lake:” watching the wildlife, working on her many crafts, and inviting friends and family to share her lakeside home. She moved back to Vanderhoof after Duane’s passing in 2003, where until recently she resided at Riverside Place.


Anna is survived by her children: Valarie (Ron) Blight of Prince George, BC; Lawrence (Susan), Mike (Cathy) of Vanderhoof, BC; and Linda (Vance) of Kelowna, BC. Her grandchildren: Keane (Katie), Kirstin (John) of Prince George; Garett (Ashlee) of Toronto, ON; Brittany of Prince George; Hayley (Luke), Zachary, Stephanie of Kelowna; and Hannah (Ramsie) of Edmonton, AB. Her step-grandchildren: Allison (Josh) of North Battleford, SK; Jenna (Philip) of St. George, SC; and Nick of Chilliwack, BC. Her great-grandson: Rowan of Prince George. Her step great-grandsons: Heath and Jacob of North Battleford. And numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.


Anna will always be remembered for her fortitude, spirituality, and generosity.


A memorial will be held at the First Memorial United Church in Vanderhoof, BC on October 25, 2014 at 1:00pm. Memorial donations may be made to the St. John Hospital Auxiliary in Vanderhoof.


The family would like to thank the staff at Riverside Place and St. John Hospital for their dedication and excellent care of Anna during her residence and final days.



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