Anna Fleischmann Jennings

Anna Fleischmann Jennings died peacefully on June 8, 2023 in Mount Vernon, Washington.

She was born on May 7, 1926 in Reichmannsdorf, Germany to Erhard and Barbara Fleischmann. She relayed many stories of a happy childhood, despite the tragedies that were to follow. She lost her father, brother, and many other loved ones in a war they didn't believe in. A tight-knit group of family and friends in the village, as well as her faith, helped her stay strong.

Though most young women of Reichmannsdorf remained in the same village their entire lives, Anna was ahead of her time. A career woman with a talent for needlework, she moved to the city of Bamberg to work as a seamstress. She also worked her way up the ladder at a palace belonging to an aristocratic family, starting as a cook's assistant and rising to the role of nanny for the family's children.

In Bamberg, Anna met a young GI named Lloyd Jennings, who was stationed at the Army base there. Anna and Lloyd were married in 1956 in Worms, Germany. A brave woman with a sense of adventure, Anna followed Lloyd to his hometown of Mount Vernon. Trans-Atlantic air travel was so uncommon in 1956 that Anna received a certificate from the airline commemorating her flight. Anna was especially proud to study and become a US citizen in 1962.

Anna and Lloyd had two children, Michael in 1957, and Christina in 1959. Family was most important for them; many happy times were spent at their home in West Mount Vernon and their beach cabin west of La Conner. Anna had a passion for knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint, and in 1973 Anna fulfilled her dream by opening Jennings Yarn Shop in La Conner. Daughter Christina took over the shop in 1986, and it remains the longest running shop on First Street. Anna's legacy continues through her many creations whether given as gifts or at the family home.

A devout Catholic, Anna was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Mount Vernon. When she was new to the U.S., she immediately felt right at home with the Mass in Latin just like back home. She was a parent volunteer while her children attended Immaculate Conception School, and in their retirement years, she and Lloyd took great pride in filling the Church with their dahlias from July through October.

Anna remained close with her German family. In the early years it was writing letters, but as air travel became more accessible, the family took several trips back home. In later years she was able to return more frequently, and yearly trips with Christina and granddaughter Nicole were the highlight of her summer. She especially cherished her role as Oma, and took a very active part in Nicole's life. Whether it was eating out in local restaurants, attending school performances, picnics, or road trips, Anna and Lloyd enjoyed their time spent with Chris and Nicole.

Anna is survived by her daughter Christina, granddaughter Nicole, and nieces and nephews in the US and Germany.

Anna was preceded in death by son Michael in 1984 and husband Lloyd in 2021, her parents, and siblings Jakob, Hans, and Elisabeth, and numerous family pets.

A private graveside service and burial was held at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery on June 15. A memorial Mass and reception will follow for both Anna and Lloyd, to be announced at a later date. You may give your condolences and share stories of Anna to her family at http://www.kernfuneralhome.com.

For the last few years, Anna suffered from dementia. It has been a long journey for us all, but the family takes great comfort knowing that she is finally at peace and surrounded by her loved ones.