Ann-Mari Nordgren passed away after a lingering illness on Saturday, July 14 2018. She was 86 years old. Ann-Mari was born in Stamford CT on January 17 1932 and was the daughter of Bert and Annie (Gaffney) Nordgren. Ann-Mari had no siblings, and she never married. She is survived by many cousins in the USA and in Ireland.
Ann-Mari was raised in Scarsdale NY and graduated from Scarsdale High School. She graduated from Geneseo Teachers College in Geneseo NY with a degree in Library Science, and later returned to obtain her Masters Degree in the same discipline.
During her working years, she served as a librarian on Long Island NY before joining the Department of Defense School System, where she served as a librarian for US Military Families for the next 30 plus years. Her career took her to Japan, to the Azores, and to Germany where she served for more than 20 years.
Ann-Mari was a world traveler and typically spent her vacation time on cruises to many places around the world.
After retirement, she returned to Polo IL to be near her parents. She later relocated to Gresham OR when they passed away. In Gresham, she was very active in St. Ann’s Catholic Church, serving for a long time as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Mass Coordinator, and as the leader of the Liturgy Committee.
A Vigil will be held on Monday July 23rd at 4pm to 6pm at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Gresham. A Funeral Mass will be held at Laurelhurst Chapel, 3120 SE Stark St, Portland OR on Tuesday July 24th at 10:30am. Ann-Mari will be buried alongside of her parents in Polo IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local Parkinson Society, or to the No One Dies Alone (NODA) Society.
Ann-Mari, the world traveler, was a lady who was full of Christian spirit. During her lifetime, she inspired many people in her Christian beliefs.
Graveside services will be held a St. Mary’s Cemetery, Polo. IL. Tuesday July 31, 2018 at 1:00 p.m.
Condolences may also be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.
