Annilin Olivia Fort

Annilin Fort, 72, of Columbia, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23. She was born on March 28, 1953, in District Heights, Maryland, to the late Ann and Lingo Hudson.

Annilin was born with a generous heart and a boundless curiosity for the world—qualities that shaped a life devoted to caring for others. She began her professional journey as a nurse, a role she cherished deeply. After welcoming her first daughter, she stepped away from nursing to focus on her family and poured her creativity into a successful home-based quilting business. In the 1990s, Annilin shifted once more, bringing her sharp mind and strong work ethic to local government before ultimately retiring as a certified CPA.

Annilin's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Peter Fort; her daughters Kristy Novak (Steve) and Megan Koshurba (Tim); and her beloved granddaughter Hanna. She is also survived by her brothers Charlie (Jan) and Chris (Eileen); her nieces Jaisha, Jessica, Jackie, and Julie; her nephews Kevin, Cory, and Kyle; and countless other aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews across the United States.

A woman of many passions, Annilin found beauty and meaning in both quiet moments and grand adventures. She loved traveling the world, exploring all kinds of cuisine, losing herself in a good book, and was an avid follower of the Tour de France. And for those who knew her well, her drink of choice was bourbon.

Annilin also devoted much of her time to service, especially through the UUCC Food Pantry, where she formed cherished friendships and lived out her commitment to helping her community. She built another vibrant community among her biking friends; when she and Peter weren't gallivanting around the world, they were often found across the country at bicycle races. Her hands were rarely still—she created quilts that warmed countless hearts, gifting them to family, friends, and children in need through Project Linus.

Annilin will be remembered for her strength, independence, kindness, generosity, her sharp wit, and the warmth she brought into every space she entered—all traits that she passed to her daughters. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the love she shared so freely.

Information on Annilin's Celebration of Life, to be held in late January or early February at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center, is forthcoming. In honor of her, attendees are encouraged to wear purple—her favorite color.