"When I'm gone, I want you to celebrate because I'll be happy." This was a frequent reminder from Anna Marie Christopherson who died peacefully at the age of 90. Anna Marie was born January 19, 1919 to George Enger and Hulda Pedersen of Leer, Michigan. She said good-bye December 17, 2009 and joined her husband, Andrew; her parents; brothers, Byron and Iver; and sisters, Agnes, Martha, Helene and Jean.

She is survived by a sister, Christine DeLong; sisters-in-law, Helen Enger and Gloria Christopherson; good friend and cousin, Art Enger; her children, Anne Potter, Jon Christopherson and wife Chris, and Linda Pletcher; 11 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. A special thanks goes to her earth angels at Sally's Care Home who showed love and compassion on her last day.

Marie was very active at Leer Lutheran Church as church secretary, Sunday School teacher, Luther League advisor and quilter. She taught school, served on PTA boards, encouraged many girls to sew through 4-H, participated in many community and church activities, advocated for social justice, and fed the birds. Her greatest joy in life was being useful and making a difference. We hope God has planned lots of jobs for her to do and events to organize, because she's itching to get back to work.

In keeping with her wishes, we will celebrate her life at Leer Lutheran Church on Tuesday, December 29, 2009. Visitation will be at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the services begin at 2:00 p.m., with a lunch following at the Parish Hall. Arrangements are being handled by Bannan Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, any donations can be given for maintenance of Leer Lutheran Church, the place where she always found comfort and love. We will miss her.