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| Margaret I. Annas, Age 102 |
| Visitation Location: |
St. Mary's Cathedral, St. Cloud, Minnesota |
| Visitation Date/Time: |
Monday, July 3, 2023 from 9:30 to 10:00 AM |
| Funeral Time: |
Monday, July 3, 2023 at 10:00 AM |
| Funeral Location: |
St. Mary's Cathedral, St. Cloud, Minnesota |
| Burial Location: |
Assumption Cemetery, St. Cloud, Minnesota |
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Margaret I. Annas, 102
St. Cloud, MN
September 5, 1920 - February 12, 2023
Some people bring so much joy to each day, share their generous spirit so freely, and fill the lives of those around them with such tenacious energy, that even a life of 102 years feels far too brief: as it is with our Nana, Margaret Annas, who passed away on February 12, 2023.
Margaret was born September 5,1920, the second of four siblings, in St. Joseph, Minnesota to parents Joseph and Leona Pallansch. Following the loss of Margaret’s father, her mother worked as a nurse to support her family in the post-World War I years and early years of the Great Depression; from her mother’s model of strength Margaret grew in the resilience and compassion that characterized her adult life. She was fierce and fearless. As a child, Margaret and her grandfather went outside to watch a violent storm together and she learned from him not to fear the thunder. This courage never faltered and allowed her to greet each day with acceptance and joy.
She attended the Cathedral High School and the College of Saint Benedict and shared her dedication to education with her children and grandchildren, through her vocal support of their chosen academic and professional paths. She balanced a life of vocation and recreation and did not waste time; she pursued creative projects, spent active time outdoors, and fostered deep friendships.
She married George Annas in October 14, 1944. Following his service in the war and a brief move to Texas, where he was stationed, they moved to St. Cloud to raise their children: George Joseph, Mary Susan, and Ann Leona. Margaret filled her time with her family, her work, and her service to the church and the schools. Margaret never missed a minute with her grandchildren: reading together in the brown chair, pulling wagons and pushing strollers to the park, and keeping up-to-date with all their goings-on over hours of phone calls each day. Each of her grandchildren shared a special bond with their Nana.
For many years in St. Cloud, neighbors along a 5-mile path set their early-morning clocks by Margaret and her friend’s daily walk. Swift and unstoppable, they did not miss a day in more than fifty years, regardless of rain, snow, or ice.
She had a relentlessly positive attitude. To Margaret, “all days were good days”, though she would sometimes acknowledge, almost conspiratorially, that “some days were better than others”. She had an astute sense of humor, was able to have a good time simply and find the fun in every day.
Margaret’s faith was a cornerstone throughout her life, and she lived this faith through active engagement with her home parish of St. Mary’s Cathedral Church, her compassionate interactions with others, and her faithful optimism. Margaret lived each day fully with a grateful heart, active mind, and generous spirit.
“We are to become vessels of God’s compassionate love for others.” St Clare of Assisi
Memorials may be sent to the Poor Clare Monastery of Sauk Rapids (Poor Clare Monastery, 421 S. 4th Street Sauk Rapids, Minnesota 56379).
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud, Minnesota on July 3, 2023 at 10 AM (Reverend Steve Binsfeld, celebrant). Mass will be preceded by a 9:30 visitation at the Cathedral and followed by burial at Assumption Cemetery in St. Cloud.
Margaret is survived by: Children: George Annas (Mary), Mary Susan Eddy, and Ann Blattner (Kenneth). Grandchildren: Catherine Annas (Matt Selig), David Annas, Michael Eddy (Kristy Crushore), Patrick Eddy, Joseph Eddy (Cory), Matthew Eddy (Meg), Mary Eddy (Dan Albertus), Anne Eddy, Margaret Blattner (James Allen), Peter Blattner (Katie), and Daniel Blattner; and her 14 brilliant and well above average Great-Grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, George, and her siblings: Michael Pallansch, Mary Walter, and George Schroeder, and her son-in-law, William Eddy.
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