Ann Block died peacefully on Jan. 26, 2015 in Seattle, surrounded by her family.

Ann was born on April 10, 1931, the daughter of Carl and Dorothy Brinkman. She was raised on a farm in Connersville, Indiana.

Ann spent the past 47 years living on Bainbridge Island. She was active teaching pre-school in her early years and kept busy in the island community that she loved. She was a kind and caring mother and friend. Her children always heard “your mother is a sweetheart” from friends and even casual acquaintances. She was a born fighter as demonstrated by the strength of her fight against kidney disease which she did for the love of her children and grandchildren.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, John V. Block. She leaves behind her four children; Nancy Steers (Doug), Todd Nelp (Mary), Paige Grening (Brent), Blaine Shepherd and two stepchildren, Angela and Tim Block. She had seven wonderful grandsons; Andrew and Hunter Steers, Taylor and Wil Nelp, Miller Grening and Ryan and Mitchell Shepherd who loved their “Nana” dearly. She also leaves behind her younger brother, George Brinkman and his family.

A memorial service was held Feb. 4 at Terraces at Skyline First Hill, Seattle.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the NW Kidney Center, PO Box 3035, Seattle, WA 98114 (www.nwkidney.org), or a charity of your choice.