Anna Dean Breidford

Anna Dean Breidford, 76, died Sept. 27, 2011, at Mat-Su Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family, one day before her 77th birthday.

Anna was born in Monument, Ore., on Sept. 28, 1934, to James Shelley and Frances Bolin. There will be a celebration of her life at the Palmer Elks Lodge, 2600 Barry’s Resort Dr., Wasilla, at 3 p.m., Oct. 8. There will be potluck.

Anna’s family moved to Cordova when she was a child, and she and her siblings spent many joyful summers on Mummy Island near Cordova exploring the island and living in a rustic cabin built by her stepfather, Arlot Fleming. Anna’s family moved away from Alaska in 1949 and she attended high school in Blaine, Wash. She lived in Blaine for many years, raising her four children there.

In 1976, Anna and her husband, John T. Breidford, moved to Palmer. She and John owned and operated Breidford Body and Paint for 21 years, retiring in 2002. They enjoyed Alaska, traveling the many roads in their motor home. Anna was very artistic, loved to read, paint and quilt, and was a wonderful cook. Every meal that came out of her kitchen was a special treat. Anna loved animals and rescued many kittens, including her cat Lu.

Preceding her in death was her son, Curt Markusen; and sister, Pearl Langenfeld. Surviving are husband and best friend, John; daughter, Julie Cowan; sons, Mike and Gary Markusen; step-daughters, Janet Sutton and Jeri Benasky (Bob); sisters, Jerri Hunnicutt (Ken) and Jessie Jewell; brother, Tom Fleming (Joyce); four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.