Annajean Hansberry Goldsmith
April 7, 1932 - July 4, 2008
Obituary
ANNAJEAN ‘SKITTY’ HANSBERRY GOLDSMITH
Of Kirkland, Washington died July 4, 2008.
Skitty was born in Seattle on April 7, 1932 to Harold R. and Dorothy F. Hansberry. Growing up in Seattle, she worked with her parents in their business Appliance Parts and Service Co.. Skitty graduated from Queen Anne High School where she was active in orchestra and band, playing the clarinet and the saxophone. After high school she briefly attended college, and married Hugh G. Goldsmith on September 2, 1950.
Skitty and Hugh started a family which grew to nine children, but also started their own business: Hugh G. Goldsmith and Associates a civil engineering, land surveying, land development consulting firm in June 1958. They worked side by side in the business, and Skitty continued working until the day of her death.
Skitty and Hugh moved the family to Kirkland in 1963. Skitty loved life and celebrations. She was a magnet for family unity and activities. Family vacations and Christmas were her specialties and she planned each with a level of detail unsurpassed, structured to heightened the sense of magic she felt and wished to impart. The Kirkland home affectionately known as ‘the Compound’ was the site of hundreds of birthday celebrations, showers, anniversary parties, holiday gatherings, wakes, and even a wedding. She was much loved, and will be painfully missed.
Skitty was the light and life of her surviving loving husband of 58 years: Hugh.
She is also survived by her mother: Dorothy F. Hansberry of Kirkland; two brothers: Harold R. Hansberry, Jr. Sally of Bellingham and Milton M. Hansberry Loretta of Issaquah, and their families.
Skitty was preceded in death by her father: Harold R. Hansberry, Sr., and two children: a son, Gordon and a daughter, Dorothy.
She is survived by seven of her nine children, and their families: Jill Bob Routt, Brian Kathleen, Keith Jennifer, Nancy Goldsmith Steve Suelzle, Thomas Maureen, Janet Kevin Cleary, William; and daughter in law, Beverly Goldsmith; all of Kirkland. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, Hugh suggests donations be made to:
• Holy Names Academy, 728 21st Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98112: the Annajean and Dorothy Goldsmith Memorial Scholarship Fund; or
• Holy Family Parish, 7355 120th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98033: Building Fund.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 9, 2008; 2:30 PM – 7:30 PM, and on Thursday, July 10, 2008;
11 AM – 5 PM, at Bonney-Watson, 1732 Broadway, Seattle WA 98122.
Funeral Services for Skitty will be on Friday, July 11, 2008; 11:00 AM at Holy Family Church,
7300 120th Ave. NE, Kirkland, WA.
Dear Goldsmith’s:
Yesterday’s celebration of Skitty’s life was a joyful and loving tribute to her. You have a wonderful, loving family, thanks to Skitty and Hugh. You are all in our prayers.
Hugh, Keith, Jill and the entire Goldsmith family;
It was with great sadness that I received the news of Skitty’s passing. I can’t find words to adequately convey my condolences other than to tell you what you already know – that Skitty was a wonderful person who was loved by everyone who knew her. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and that everyone at nhc joins me in expressing our deepest sorrow.
Larry Karpack
Hugh & family,
Every time I start to write or call, words fail me. It can’t be overstated how wonderful Skitty was. Her generosity knew no limits.
Our hearts go out to each and every member of your families.
Lance, Leah, Sophie & Owen
Hugh & Family,
My thoughts & prayers are with you and also Aunt Dorothy, Harold, Jr., Sally, Mac & Loretta.
There are not enought words to express what a wonderful caring cousin–what an Angel!
Love & Hugs,
Pat Palmer
Welcome – to all who share here:
stories, loving thoughts, memories of an extraordinary woman.
She was a role model for me of what it is to cherish family. She held dear all who surrounded her. She was much loved, and will be painfully missed.
To Hugh Goldsmith & Family,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow.