Obituary: Claesen, Ans (Anna)
Age 92
She was the second child of thirteen.
She was educated in Holland and received a BA degree in Education there.
In her late 20s Ans joined the Secular Institute of “Mary of the Annunciation”.
She taught for several years in Holland.
In 1953 she began working as a social worker in Eindhoven, Holland, for the youth of problem families.
In 1957 Ans and another member of the Institute departed for Canada.
In 1966 Ans came to the US and was hired by Catholic Family Service.
It was noted that due to her training in social work and settlement house work in Europe and Canada, Ans was uniquely qualified to act in a specialized social work capacity at St. Margaret’s Hall.
In June of 1967 she was appointed as Administrator/Director.
Ans received the Bishop’s Medal in 1984 for her service to our community.
Ans passed away peacefully on January 2, 2014.
She is survived by her foster daughter, Carmen Jackson.
She is preceded in death by her parents and all her siblings.
Thank you to Hospice House for their gentle care of Ans during her last days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Church (219 E Rockwood Blvd., Spokane, WA 99202).
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 13, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 219 E Rockwood Blvd., Spokane, WA.