Anna Mae Hawley

Anna Mae Hawley, age 92, died on Saturday morning, February 18, 2017, at the Grand Arbor Assisted Living Center in Alexandria, Minnesota. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 24, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson. Visitation will be held on Friday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at St. Francis Catholic Church. Interment will be at St. Francis Catholic Church Cemetery.

Anna Mae (Fennell) Hawley aged out of life at the age of 92, on February 18, 2017, at Grand Arbor assisted Living Residence in Alexandria, MN. She was born on December, 14th 1924, in Benson, MN to Napoleon and Ella Fennell.

Anna Mae attended high school in Benson, MN and was a graduate of the Class of 1942. On January 23rd, 1943, at the age of 18, Anna Mae was united in marriage to Robert Franklin Hawley of Stacy, MN. They were married in Clontarf, MN by Father King. They enjoyed 64 years of married life together. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Pat (Lori), Louise (David Wigfield), Colleen (Daniel Zimny), Mike (Laurie); 12 grandchildren: Jon Hawley (Margaret), Terri Collins (Scott), Craig Hawley (Sarah); Lisa Wilson (Rorie), Amy McDowell (Shawn), Jeff Wigfield (Andrea); Adam Zimny (Julie), Brian Zimny (Sara), Anthony Zimny (Leann); Matt Hawley, Erin Yocum, Katy Ailshie (Jerry); and 23 great-grandchildren.

Anna Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Hawley, parents, Napoleon and Ella Fennell, brother, Clarence Fennell and sister, Bernice Benham.

Anna Mae was actively involved in the American Red Cross, Community Chest, United Funds, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Meals on Wheels, Council of Catholic Women, Benson Gold Club, Breen’s Pharmacy Bowling Team, and Study Club.

Anna Mae was known for making her donuts and Aunt Sally’s cookies and spoiled her family with cooking and baking. She was a loyal and devoted mother, wife, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved her family and was always there for them.

Anna Mae’s strong faith helped her through the loss of her husband, Bob. Knowing that they are together again has brought peace to our family. Her charm, quick wit and amazing ability to remember past details were remarkable. Anna Mae also had a love for dogs. She always kept a box of dog biscuits in her room for the many dogs that visited her. We will forever cherish the special family memories she created for us throughout her lifetime. Even though we know that we will not have our parents forever, it is still difficult to let them go.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Grand Arbor Assisted Living Residence who became such good friends to Anna Mae. We are so thankful for the incredible care she received there. In Lieu of flowers, Memorial donations can be sent to the Swift County Humane Society, the Knute Nelson Foundation in Alexandria, or the Swift County Benson Hospital Foundation.