Anne (Vriend) Nolan, 98, of St. Paul, Minn., passed away there on July 4, 2020.
Anne was born in Wijdenes, Netherlands, to Antje (Lakeman) and Klaas Vriend, and grew up in Chicago. A gifted elementary school teacher, lifelong learner and supporter of the ideals of the United Nations, she had a passion for the news and current events.
Anne believed in making the world a better place, always active in her community—from school board member in Homewood, Ill., where she raised her family, to volunteering in Allegan in retirement.
Her beloved husband of 60 years, William Nolan, predeceased her in 1999, after a family life full of fun, adventures, and family reunions at their home on Lake Allegan, where they also welcomed several families of relatives from the Netherlands.
Anne taught her ideals to her children: Patricia Nyhan of Rockville, Md.; Bill (Marilyn) Nolan Jr. of St. Paul, Minn.; and two who predeceased her: Barbara Toffolo of Tucson and Jeanne Janson of Allegan. Her 11 grandchildren will greatly miss their loving, strong grandmother: Cris, Paula, Alex, Adam, Sujata, Kirkja, Tor, Per, Lara, Judd and Brad. Her 15 great-grandchildren will miss how much fun she was. Other survivors include her beloved brother, George (Elinor) Vriend of Palm Desert, Calif.
Anne donated her body to the University of Minnesota Medical School. Memorial contributions may be made to UNICEF USA at unicefusa.org, or U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 125 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038.
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