November 14, 1934 - March 23, 2020
Anna Christina Slanina (nee Becher), 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23rd, 2020 in Kitimat, BC. Survived by her loving husband, Joseph, of 64 years; five of her 13 siblings, John, Martha, Christine, Henry and Peter; her 12 children, Joe Jr., Michael, Lawrence, William, Patricia, Samuel, Pauline, Christine, Matthew, Bernadette, Emily and Theresa; 35 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and many more extended family members. Anne was born November 14,1934, in Friedenstal, Alberta, to Peter and Ledwina Becher. She was raised on a farm and at the age of 19 she started work in Whitelaw where she first met Joe. Anne moved to work in Vanderhoof in 1955 and Joe moved on to Kitimat. The following year, Anne moved to Kitimat where they were married and raised their family.
A devoted mother to her 12 children, Anne's passion for family, religion and community is a true legacy to all of her loved ones. Over the years, she amassed hundreds of volunteer hours within various community organizations such as the Catholic Church Bereavement Committee, Catholic Women's League, Heart & Stroke Foundation, and many others. Her enthusiasm for life was evident in everything she did. She took so much joy from her cooking, baking, gardening, sewing and supporting her favourite team, the Canucks; she loved to welcome people into her home to share all of these things with them. She was a great outdoors enthusiast, and spent endless hours with her family hunting and fishing. As a gifted musician, she enjoyed playing guitar, piano, accordion, and in her most recent years, ukulele. She loved to sing, and participated in many choir groups. This love of music connected her family through all generations and made family gatherings extra special. Her gentle, patient and humble nature touched the lives of so many and will not be forgotten.
Anne is dearly missed by all of her family and we are heartbroken not to be together to grieve this tremendous loss. Due to the current pandemic, a church service is not possible at this time. We look forward to you joining us for a celebration of Anne's amazing life as soon as we can all be together again safely - details to follow.
Anne supported many charities throughout her life and in lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully received at Kitimat Mountainview Lodge Complex and Long Term Care, or the charity of your choice.