Anna Primavera peacefully passed away early Thursday morning, Jan. 23, 2014. Her family was by her side. The long-time Langley resident and business woman died from complications of a stroke suffered the day after Christmas.

Anna was born May 19, 1917. Her parents, Marie and Pete Peters, met and were married in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Their Mennonite families had migrated from Minnesota and South Dakota to homestead.

When Anna was three, she and her parents moved to Bakersfield, Calif. Their family grew as sisters Louise, Francis, and June were born.

At 17, Anna had moved 17 times. This was a sign of the times, the Depression, and her father’s search for something better.

The next planned move was north to Orcas Island. Arriving in Seattle, they learned Orcas had no electricity. Mother Marie had a wringer washing machine. Hearing Whidbey had power, Pete and Marie drove up to see the island.

In 1934 the Peters family moved to South Whidbey.

Anna graduated from Langley High School in 1936. She worked at the Tiemeyers Bakery in Langley. The bakery was next to Primaveras’ Star Store. One of young Victor Primavera’s chores was to pick up the bread Tiemeyers baked for the Star Store to sell.

Victor and Anna were married in 1938. Daughters Joanne and Janet were born in the apartment above the store.

Anna took care of her growing family. She worked in the store. Loving flowers, Anna planted sweet peas on the store’s south side along McLeod Alley. Nina and Joe were born in Coupeville at Polly Harpole’s Maternity Home.

After the war, the Primaveras moved just outside Langley on Saratoga Road. They bought the Strawbridge Farm. Anna continued to work in the store and raise her family. She was a Campfire Girl leader and Cub Scout den mother, Sunday School teacher, seamstress, gardener, chicken-head lopper, and handicrafter extraordinaire. Anna made sure her children had good childhoods and a good home.

Selling the farm, ‘Ann and Vic’ built their new home on Third Street overlooking Langley.

They sold the store in 1977. They were able to travel and enjoy their lives together until Victor died of prostate cancer in 1985.

Anna continued to live in the family home. She loved watching, through the days and years, the comings and goings of the folks in Langley. She liked her daily walks downtown, going to get the mail, visiting with friends and buying sesame treats at the Star Store.

Anna is survived by her three children Joanne, Nina, and Joe; her son-in-law Greg; and her many grand and great-grandchildren and their spouses.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Victor, her youngest sister Marion, and her beloved daughter Janet.

At her request, we will have a graveside service attended only by her family.

On a day this Spring, near her birthday, there will be a reception held for Anna. We will celebrate a life well lived, remember her smile and honor the most wonderful Mother one could ever wish for.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Anna Primavera to the Langley Park (on Anthes) PO Box 366, Langley, WA 98260.