Anna B. Smiernow

Palmer resident Anna B. Smiernow, known to most as Anna Marly, 88, died Feb. 15, 2006, at her home, after a brief battle with cancer.

A service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, at St. Nicolas Russian Orthodox Church in Eklutna, with the Rev. Daniel Andrejuk officiating. Burial will follow at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery.

Mrs. Smiernow was born Oct. 30, 1917, in Russia and has been a resident of Alaska since November 2003. Mrs. Smiernow was well traveled and lived in many places, including France, Portugal, England, Chile, Peru, Brazil, Argentina and the United States. Her family wrote, &#8220A composer, musician and singer, she was famous for the song, &#8220Chant de la Liberation,” written for the French underground movement, which became the official anthem of the Resistance. She had studied under the great composer Sergei Prokofiev. She was honored with the Legion of Honor and Order of Merit from the French government.”

Mrs. Smiernow was a member of the Russian Orthodox Church. She expressed a great interest in all that surrounded her and could be called a fascinated student of life.

&#8220She died with the same peace, grace and courage that she lived in life - leaving behind many people around the world touched by her charitable works and exceptional personality,” her loved ones wrote. Survivors include her great-niece, Marianne Boutin, and great-cousin, Xenia, both of Paris. Her husband, George Smiernow, preceded her in death. Arrangements were made by Evergreen Memorial Chapel.