Ann Marie Surina

Obituary of Ann Marie Surina

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 pm on Friday, January 22nd at the Faithful Savior Lutheran Church, 11100 NE Skidmore St. in Portland for Mrs. Surina who passed away January 16, 2016 at a local hospital.  She was 74 years old.

Ann was born February 15, 1941 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, the 2nd daughter of Fred and Helen (Johnston) Christensen. Raised in Wisconsin, she graduated from Cadott High School, class of 1959. At age 18, she made the journey west to Washington, with her parents, to be closer to her sister.  She married Robert Donald Surina in September of 1965 in Tacoma, and a year later they had their first child Daniel, followed by Suzann in 1969, and Michael in 1977.   Later that same year the family moved south to Portland, OR.

Ann was an active person who had a servant’s heart caring for both her family’s needs and those in her community. Ann viewed her position in life as a caregiver.  She doted upon her children and grandchildren, and was happiest with a baby in her arms.  She made a career out of her caring ways, working with her husband at residential care facilities, including Robert’s Manor which she owned and operated until 2003.  Ann was a very involved mother and grandmother who spent her free time supporting her children and grandchildren through their schooling, sports, and other activities.  Countless hours were spent in the bleachers cheering for her kids, and keeping score for their teams.  It never mattered how busy she was, she would always find the time.  Ann especially loved baseball, from enjoying her children’s and grandchildren’s games to her professional teams: the Chicago Cubs and the Seattle Mariners.

After Ann retired, she found ways to volunteer that allowed her caring personality to stay active.  She volunteered many hours at the Randall Children’s Hospital and on May 3, 2011 was awarded the 1909 Society’s “Treasure of Emanuel” Volunteer Award. She knitted hats for infants of new mothers for the Period of PURPLE Crying Program. As a member of Faithful Savior Lutheran church since 1977, she volunteered with other ladies of the church quilting for the needy every Tuesday from 9 until noon.  Ann had a real talent with flowers and made the alter floral arrangements for many years.  By word of mouth, she was asked to make the floral arrangements for several weddings as well.

Ann’s legacy of love and compassion will live on forever, through the countless lives she has touched.  She is survived by her children; Suzann Grose (Marshall), Mike Surina (Amy), step-children; Robert, Blake and Elizabeth Surina. Grandchildren; Victoria, Madilyn and Ashton Grose, Hayley Thiel, Grace and Cy Surina, Stephen and Trey Surina and Mary Goodrum. Sister; Christina Ruth Moore (John).  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert in 1990, and son Daniel in 2012.

Private burial will be at Rose City Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.