Anna M. Fields

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. Anna wanted to have her first baby at home in Germany where her mother and family lived. 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 and lived in army housing. In 1964 Anna worked at the island berry processing plant and soon gave birth to her son, David. Upon hearing about poor living conditions in a Vietnamese village called Phu My, Anna and another Army wife collected and sent much-needed supplies to the villagers. They sent clothes, soap, buttons, and bread. After a move to an Army base in California for a few years, the Tripp’s were moved back to Bainbridge Island. 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 had co-workers who quickly became lifelong friends.

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 by watching t.v.; bought a car; learned how to drive; got her license, and took Community College courses learning 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 became a nanny to Sophie and Max Doane and was very proud of them. They treated her lovingly like a member of their own family. She also was blessed to be a nanny to Nick Harrington, another loving family who also became an important part of her life. In addition, Anna took care of other children, all whom she enjoyed being with and watching them grow.
Anna volunteered at several charities including the Special Olympics and the West Sound Wildlife Shelter. Both gave her unconditional love and happiness. She was a proud 50-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary 172, serving as Past President and Vice President and cherished being part of the Legion family. She enjoyed playing bingo with the regular players at the Legion Hall and volunteered with various projects through the Legion Auxiliary helping Veterans and the community. Anna was also a member of the Eagles F.O.E. in Poulsbo. While working at the Post Office, Anna volunteered many hours for their annual Christmas Giving Tree. She was always in awe of the generosity of the people who donated.

Anna was a natural athlete since a child. She enjoyed bowling in a league, playing volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball, pétanque, and of course Pickleball at the Bainbridge Athletic Club. She coached girls softball, taking her team to first place. In addition to participating in sports, she was her son David’s #1 fan throughout his years of playing on multiple teams. She faithfully watched her favorite teams: Seattle Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders, Sonics, and Bayern Munich soccer. Anna also participated in Silver Sneakers.

Anna enjoyed watching Hallmark movies - especially the feel-good Christmas movies. She traveled to Germany several times to visit her mother and family, went on a cruise, and snorkeled in Bermuda. Anna enjoyed making delicious German food for her family and baking cookies and cakes. Her Easter lamb-shaped pound cakes were appreciated by neighbors and family alike. Her raspberry and strawberry freezer jams were coveted by those lucky enough to be gifted some. Anna crocheted sweaters and doll clothes for Sandra when she was a child and recently made scarves and hats for family members. Her compassion for animals was evident by the ones she rescued and raised. One year she rescued a small coyote pup whose mother was killed. Anna had several dogs that were part of the family: Fluffy, Kayla, Belle, and of course Ginger in addition to the dogs she dog sat for. She and Marty raised doves who lived far beyond their average life span. They also rescued an orphaned opossum named Hydro. She had cats and a hedgehog at one time too. Anna had several bird feeders and would happily spend time watching the birds and many hummingbirds in her yard. Her backyard was also visited by raccoons, squirrels, three deer, and even a bear!

Anna was honest, caring, kind, generous, compassionate, helpful, humble, and a hard worker. She set the bar high for her family. Our loving mother taught us to be kind to others, be generous even if you feel you have nothing to give, 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 and she was very proud of all of them. 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 that she was passionate about:

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

Arrangements are entrusted to the Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.