Anna Paulina Furlong
April 12, 1920 - August 11, 2014
Obituary
Anna Paulina Furlong
Anna Paulina Furlong (Kerkhoff) was born in Groesbeek, The Netherlands, on April 12, 1920.
She had a remarkable 94 years and her life was not always easy.
She was born the 10th of 11 children to Theodora and Christiaan Kerkhoff. At age four she lost her mother who died in childbirth and five years later she lost her father. Following the death of her parents, an older brother and his wife raised her.
She survived the German occupation of Holland during World War II. She never forgot the English and American ‘boys’ who sacrificed their lives for her freedom.
She immigrated to America on June 20th, 1949, to help her uncle care for his ailing wife.
In the early 50’s, she started a family, raising four children with Francis Furlong, her loving husband of 42 years.
She is survived by her children Dan, Dawn, Norma, Annaliese, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and dear family friend, David Chacon.
Mom died at home on August 11, 2014 with the comfort of the sacraments of her Catholic faith and surrounded by her family.
We wish to thank all the caregivers from Family Resources and give special recognition to Theresa, Peggy and Emily who provided warm and loving care over the past 3 ½ years in her home.
A Rosary for Anna will be held Thursday, August 14th at 7:00pm at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188, with the Funeral Mass Friday, August 15th at 12:00pm at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 1028 SW 128th St. Seattle, WA 98146.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Anna’s name may be made to either St. Bernadette or Holy Family Education Fund.
May she rest in peace.
We will miss you.
What a sweet, loving lady, mother, grandmother she was…always on the go. A great inspiration to us all. She will be missed, greatly missed….our family functions will not be the same with out Dutch Anna….We love her so. She will be missed for a long long time. Her kids and grandkids and the rest of the family are in our thoughts and prayers. love, Deedol and Jimmy
If there was a blue print on how to live your life, I think it was you how wrote it. Thank you
As my “other mother”, you taught me that enthusiasm makes everything more enjoyable, and that “everything has an ending:” Good times, bad times, the weekends and the work days. Love and miss you, Dutch.
Her voice will always be remember even though I only visited with her a few times. I think it’s because I remember listening while my Dad and her would shoot the breeze outside in her back yard or over the kitchen table. While I would nibble on home made goodies from her kitchen. Spread your. Wings Dutch…we will be waiting to hear from you..as you continue to be our guardian angel.
Bedankt voor de mooie dagen dat we bij jou waren ! And a big Hug for everybody who misses you around!
Lots of love…..
I haven’t seen you a lot over the past few years, but I always knew you were there. You were always so kind to all your neices and nephews and we so enjoyed your laughter. I never knew anyone more acceepting and loving. I know you are in the hands of God now. Please keep an eye on those of us left behind.
Rest in peace Auntie Ann.
I will always remember Dutch’s smiling face and
wonderful sense of humor. You will be missed.
Peace and love,Carol
You are special Lady in God’e eyes . Please give Francis a hug for me . once again you will be a good couple now you are back with him
Rita Askay
My condolences to her family. I worked with Anna for many years and will never forget her. My favorite Anna quote: “never go empty handed” I use it to this day.
Annaliese and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Your Mom was a constant at St. Bernadettes and will be greatly missed.
Your mother was an inspiration to all who knew her. She exuded strength with her “can do” attitude. Her home-made bread always brought light, warmth, and a “gezellig” feeling into this world. May your wonderful memories continue to wrap that cozy loving feeling around you and comfort you during this difficult time. I wish I could be there to give all of you hugs and celebrate her life, but I’m with you in spirit! Love to all, Jane
Dear Furlong Family,
I took many an aerobics class with Anna–I in my 40’s, Anna in her 80’s!! She was a perpetual delight: she always inquired about my children and gave me sage advice to “keep them busy.” (And she was right!). She entertained me with stories of having her youngest daughter well into her 40’s and riding her about town on her bicycle. With a twinkle in her eye she said that’s what kept her young. A wonderful spirit. My sincere condolences to her many loved ones.
Susan Bick
My condolences to Ann’s family. Even though I haven’t seen Ann since Francis died at 81, I can understand your pain at her loss. God bless her and I wish all her family well.
FYI – Francis was my first cousin along with Dan and Agatha.
All of Anna’s family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you remember all of the happy times.
I found this notice on line and am filled with SO many wonderful memories from my childhood. I’m sorry for our loss of a beautiful lady. My love and thoughts go out for your family.