Beloved TPC member Anne Smith entered the Church Triumphant on Dec. 8, 2022.

Anne Marie Karr Smith • April 22, 1946 – Dec. 8, 2022

Born Anne Marie Olsen Nesfeldt Kjærre in Oslo, Norway to Arthur and Harriet Karr, Anne spent her life practicing her faith in Christ, loving her family, and taking pride in her Norwegian roots—cornerstones of her generous and beautiful spirit.

In 1950, she arrived in New York at Ellis Island, her father choosing Karr as a required Americanized version of their beloved name. As a high school student in Chicago, Anne met Harry and they married the day after she turned 20, and continued as his faithful wife for 56 years.

Anne devoted her life to keeping the ties of family vibrantly strong. Whether you are her son, grandchild, sister-in-law, or cousin in Norway, in Anne’s presence, you knew you were prayed for, cherished, and deeply loved. Her gift of grace-filled love extended well beyond family to friendships she held so dear.

Her generosity overflowed—serving as a loving nanny to many young children, supporting friends at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, befriending the lonely with her comforting spirit, chatting with ladies in nursing homes who cherished her visits and uplifting conversation, opening her heart and home to many beloved cats, and savoring the Florida beaches and landscape with boating friends and work colleagues.

Anne returned regularly to Norway to nurture her spirit, be in touch with God’s presence in the beauty of her homeland, and reconnect with the Norwegian family she treasured.

A gifted singer with a naturally beautiful voice, Anne used her musical gift to bring joy and hope to every relationship and role in which she served. Whether singing “Santa Lucia” with the Sons of Norway, “Amazing Grace” with the church choir, or a lullaby to her sons or grandchildren, Anne was constantly humming the song in her heart. She also served as a deacon at TPC and was a long-standing choir member.

Christmas was a favorite season for Anne. Norwegian krumkake were always on her cookie tray, Christmas cards from loved ones were prominently displayed, and Norwegian flags proudly hung on her tree.

Anne will be lovingly and gratefully remembered by her husband, Harry; sons, Timothy and Erik; grandchildren Riven, Noah, Andrew, and Melody; brother, Edwin; daughters-in-law, Nina and Mary; and the extended family that cherish her memory eternal.

For så høyt har Gud elsket verden at han gav sin Sønn,
den enbårne, for at hver den som tror på ham,
ikke skal gå fortapt, men ha evig liv. John 3:16

A celebration of Anne Smith’s life will be held at Tuskawilla Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 4:00 p.m.. In lieu of flo

wers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/ or The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals  https://www.aspca.org/