1912
2013
Aug. 16, 1912 - Dec. 27, 2013 Anna (Anne) Margaret Tierney Angel was born to Edward Tierney and Mary Cecilia Quiett on August 16, 1912, in Kansas City, Kansas, the fourth of eight children. She had a very challenging childhood. Her mother unexpectedly died in 1925. It left Anne - then 12 - most of the responsibility of caring for three of her brothers. Her task was compounded when little brother Ed fell from a school slide and hit his head. The children took him home in their wagon to heal. No doctor was called, and months later Ed developed seizures and was thereafter handicapped. This is her story. Anne was an industrious young girl. She got a job at Style Book Cleaners, pressing and repairing garments, while attending St. James School. She cared for her two younger brothers, graduated from Bartlett Beauty School in 1929, and survived the Depression working as a beautician in Kansas City. Anne supplemented her income by working at cosmetology conventions, hand modeling jewelry and artificial fingernails, demonstrating false eyelashes, and showing off the newest hairstyles and fashionable hats. Anne had three loves in her lifetime. She fell in love with an accomplished pilot and a World War I Ace. When California was hit by a serious earthquake, he volunteered to help in the crisis. In heavy fog, his plane hit a mountainside and he was killed. Next, while Anne was busy working and helping with the family, she became engaged to an attorney. She kept putting off a marriage date and her fiance' tired of the situation and met someone else: a serious blow. In 1940, Anne met Joseph W. Angel, Sr., an AT&T telegrapher, and they married April 28, 1942. Son Joseph, Jr. (J.W. or Jay) was born February 23, 1944. In 1948, while Anne was still working, her pregnant sister-in-law Leona was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She died the day after giving birth to a baby girl, also named Leona. Anne invited her brother Julian and the baby to live with the Angels until Julian could manage. "Nonnie" became a lifetime daughter to Anne. Anne and Joseph divorced in 1949. She was now a single mother, working full time and raising J.W. Her siblings had made their own ways; disabled Ed, Jr. remained in the Tierney family home with his father and widowed brother Julian. Then Anne's father died and later Julian had a stroke, leaving Ed without care. Anne and J.W. went to stay with Ed for six weeks - and never left. Anne enrolled Ed in a Goodwill rehabilitation program and he became an older brother to J.W. In 1985 when Anne could no longer safely manage Ed's care, she admitted him to a residential care center for disabled senior citizens, St. Joseph's Home. She remained committed to him until his death in 1998. Anne visited daily and was recognized for her volunteer work in 1991 when she was honored at the Annual Bishop's Recognition Dinner. Professionally, Anne grew. After her divorce, she started her financial career at a collection agency. Titles have changed, but Anne was proud to say that she was the first woman officer ever for City National Bank (now known as United Missouri Bank). She worked in collections for the small loan department; was a tenacious representative, but always a lady. She was given the responsibility of training new employees, usually college-educated men. After her retirement, Anne elected to volunteer for numerous Catholic charities. She also performed for civic groups as "Buttons" the clown. At 85, with eyesight and hearing challenges, Anne made the brave decision to move to Portland to be near son J.W. and the grandchildren. She didn't skip a beat: enjoying making new friends, walking near her home in S.W. Portland, and traveling. She was always ready for a new adventure and enjoyed meeting the people. Anne was often seen about town in one of her perky hats, with a welcoming smile and a hearty laugh. Anne was "Irish" and always proud to say that her maiden name was Tierney and from a big Catholic family. But, study uncovered that her roots were likely from Prince Edward Island in Canada, more Scottish than solidly Irish. An angel (or Anne Angel) took flight from her home on December 27, 2013. Anne was preceded in death by all seven brothers and sisters, Mary Cecilia, Julian, Harry, Edward, Cecilia, and twins George and Frederick. Anne is survived by her son Joseph W. Angel, Portland, OR; nieces and nephews Leona Dekat, Kansas City, MO; G. Allen Johnson, Ferndale, WA; Patricia Anne Burns, Fontana, KS; and Mary Beth Quick, Basehor, KS. Grandchildren Shannon Wiltz, Zachariah, Christopher, and Benjamin Angel, Portland, OR; Aimee Angel, New South Wales, Australia; and Peter Angel, San Francisco, CA. Great grandchildren Joshua, Ian and Kathryn Wiltz. Another very special person in Anne's life was Lorena Fletcher. Lorena was Anne's companion and caregiver for eleven years. Lorena loved Anne and was devoted to her care. Donations may be made in care of Oregon Community Foundation, in the name of the Anne T. Angel Fund, 1221 S. W. Yamhill Street, Ste. 100, Portland, OR 97205.
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Joe, I came across this beautiful story of your Mother's life while looking for a relative from Ireland named Tierney. As I read on I realized that this incredible woman was your Mother. I am so sorry for your loss and send you and your family my prayers. Linda
Linda
February 21, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the family. May God give you strength and peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
January 16, 2014
I had the opportunity to care for Anne several times. My thoughts go out to the family and Lorena. What a life she had. I am fortunate to have had a chance to have met this strong woman. Mary Y.
January 12, 2014
Joseph, sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Anne's visits to Portland when you first moved here. What a great lady.
Vi Jacoby
January 8, 2014
I worked with Anne at City National Bank. She was an exceptional woman who helped pave the way for those who followed her. RIP
Sarah DeWitt
January 6, 2014
My sympathy to you and your family, Joe, from a De La Salle classmate.
Don Mulik
January 5, 2014
J.W., you probably don't remember me but we had lots of adventures as kids when you lived on Linwood Blvd. in K.C. My name was "Jody" then. I remember your mother very well and she had a huge influence on the lives of my sisters and my mother. Please accept my condolences on your loss. Gosh, time is such a thief!
Mary Jo Hillman
January 5, 2014
My sympathies to the family. Anne was a strong woman who lived life to the fullest.
Connie Lenzen
January 5, 2014
So sorry to hear of your family's loss. It sounds like Anne was a true inspiration. She surely will be missed.
Jan and Mick Owens
Jan and Mick Owens
January 5, 2014
I knew I had a lot of respect for Anne when we built homes together for an impoverished Mexican family thru Homes of Hope. We had a moment of anxiety together when I was assigned the connection of all the electrical wiring in the house, and when finished and Anne plugged it in with great expectation....but it didn't work! In the end, we found someone had unplugged the connection at the other end, and we had a great laugh over it!
Randy Miller
January 4, 2014
I am glad Anne Angel crossed my path in this life and that I was blessed to share a few glimpses into the life of this amazing and inspiring woman. She was endued with a most beautiful spirit and will be sorely missed.
My deepest sympathies to Joseph and all of Anne's family. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss and grieving.
-Hester Janisch, Quiett Family Researcher
Proverbs 31:10-31
King James Version (KJV)
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.........13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.......24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed;........ 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Hester Janisch
January 2, 2014
I feel blessed and honored to be able to call this remarkable women a part of my family heritage. My heart is with Anne's grieving family and multitude of loving friends.
-Georgia Wahl-Gordon
Georgia Gordon
January 1, 2014
What a delightful story. I enjoyed it very much!
Revernd Louise Clewis, Mesquite TX
Louise Clewis
January 1, 2014
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