Our beloved mother, Anna Maria Fields died unexpectedly on February 26, 2021 at the age of 77. Anna was born in 1944 as a German in a disputed part of Europe that is now Czechoslovakia.
In 1962, Anna met her first husband Billy Tripp, an American GI who was visiting her next door neighbor. They married later that year and in 1963 gave birth to their daughter, Sandra. Shortly after, Billy was transferred back to the United States, taking his new family with him. In 1963 the Tripp’s moved to Bainbridge Island. In 1964 Anna worked at the island berry processing plant and soon gave birth to her son, David. On July 7, 1967, Anna became a Naturalized citizen. In 1969 she was hired on at the Bainbridge Island Post Office. She loved her customers and co-workers.
Anna was a remarkable, resilient woman. At a young age while her husband was in Vietnam she raised their two toddlers; found a place for them to live at Ft. Ward; got a job at the Post Office; taught herself English; bought a car; learned how to drive; got her license, and took Community College courses in Spanish, sewing and auto repair!
In 1988, 21 of the customers on her route signed a petition expressing appreciation for her exceptional service. In 1990 Anna married her soulmate Martin Fields, happily adding two stepsons and three stepdaughters to the family. After 31 enjoyable years Anna retired from the Post Office in 2000.
She volunteered at several charities including the Special Olympics and the West Sound Wildlife Shelter. She was a proud 50 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary 172, enjoyed playing bingo, and volunteered helping Veterans and the community. While working at the Post Office, Anna volunteered many hours for the annual Christmas Giving tree. She was always in awe of the generosity of the people who donated.
Anna was a natural athlete and enjoyed league bowling, volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball, pétanque, and of course Pickleball at the BAC. She coached girls softball, taking her team to first place. She faithfully watched her favorite teams: Seattle Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders, Sonics, and Bayern Munich soccer.
Anna traveled to Germany several times to visit her mother and family, and snorkeled in Bermuda. Her compassion for animals was evident by the ones she rescued and raised. Anna had several bird feeders, and enjoyed watching the birds and many hummingbirds in her yard.
Our loving mother taught us to be kind to others, be generous, don’t take what isn’t yours, work hard for what you want, and don’t gossip. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and neighbors.
Her greatest joy came from being with her family. She is survived by Sandra & Pete Morrell, daughter and son-in-law, David Tripp & Julie Lohrer, son and daughter-in-law, Martin & Beverly Fields, Rita & Ed Holmes, Rhonda & Ralph Underwood, Richard & Beverly Fields, Pam & James Israel, 19 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
Donations in memory of our mom can be made to any of the following organizations:
American Legion Colin Hyde Post 172, PO Box 10372, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101
West Sound Wildlife Shelter, 7501 NE Dolphin Dr., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
