Anne Fish

Anne Fish was a remarkable woman whose feisty Irish blood ran deep to the core of her loving, kind and giving heart. Welcomed into the world on January 30, 1919, Anne was the daughter of Arthur and Mary (Purcell) Collins. Born into a new year that marked the beginning of hope and prosperity for the nation, the end of World War I found American cities everywhere looking for ways to prosper and grow their economies, and Joplin, Missouri where the Collins family lived was no exception. Anne enjoyed a typical childhood for the times and attended the local schools. In time she grew into a beautiful young woman whose care and concern for others was unmatched.

In the late 1930s Anne moved to the city of Chicago, Illinois where she worked various jobs. The onset of World War II also found her doing much for the war effort. Always the caregiver, Anne volunteered at the local VA Hospital as a candy stripper. It was here that she met a young serviceman who was injured in the Battle of the Bulge. Jay T. Fish was taken with Anne right from the start, and she too was quite smitten with Jay. Once he was on the road to recovery they began dating, fell in love and were soon married. As husband and wife they moved to Jay’s hometown of Comstock Park, Michigan where they made their lifelong home together.

Over the years Jay and Anne shared their love with several foster children. Although each of these children was special to them, one child in particular captured Anne’s heart in a wonderful way. Just two days after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Anne became the mother of David Fish whom she and Jay lovingly adopted on November 24, 1963. David meant everything to Anne and she spoiled him rotten! She filled their home with nurturing love and unending warmth, plus she was a great cook, too. Some of her specialties included chicken and dumplings along with homemade brown bread she made in steel soup cans.

A feisty Irish woman, Anne balanced well her love, devotion and caring heart in remarkable ways. Known as “Grandma” to many, she made a tremendous impact on the lives she touched with her quirky and fun loving ways. With years of fostering children, their home was never complete without the unconditional love of a family cat or dog. In her spare time she enjoyed bowling at Westgate Bowling Center where she was a member of the 600 Club. She loved to sing, especially Patsy Cline songs and she loved the sounds of big band music that took her back to memories of days gone by.

Throughout the years Jay continued to struggle from his war injuries as Anne devoted herself to his care. After years of setbacks, he sadly died from these complications in 1977 leaving Anne and David to depend on each other for support. As always, David meant the world to Anne and in her eyes, the sun rose and fell around him and he could do no wrong. Their bond was one of a kind and even after David moved to Chicago they remained very close and spoke regularly.

In all she did and all she was, Anne Fish was foremost a devoted wife and loving mother. She instilled her warm embrace and loving, kind heart towards numerous children in her care. She will remain a lasting treasure in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Anne Fish of Grand Rapids died on Monday, July 19, 2010 at the age of 91. She is survived by her son, David (Melanie) Fish; granddaughter, Holly McCall-Fish; numerous special nieces and nephews. A private family service will be held. Interment in Holy Trinity Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Salvation Army or Catholic Charities of West Michigan. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory or to sign her online guest book.