Anna Marie McClain Washington, 75
Anna Marie McClain Washington of Post Falls, Idaho, left this life quickly and painlessly at her home in the early morning hours of April 18, 2022. She was 75 years old.
Ann was born in Missoula, Mont., on Jan. 19, 1947, to Helen Marie (Lawrence) and L.A. Bill McClain. She grew up in Missoula and attended Missoula County High School (now Sentinel HS). As a young woman, she enjoyed singing, art and playing the accordion. At the tender age of 15, she met George A. Washington, who would be the love of her life, after a football game at a restaurant over hot chocolate. They married May 29, 1965, the same month she graduated high school.
They moved to Wilmington, Del., where their daughter, Wendi, was born the following year. They moved to Chicago, where their son, Gregory, was born four years after Wendi. They moved back to Missoula and four years later their daughter, Stephanie, was born. Ann joked that they had better not move again.
Ann and George raised their family in Missoula, where Ann enjoyed making art of all kinds and being a homemaker (though she preferred the term “domestic engineer”). She painted and penciled people, nature and moments of humanity as her eye saw them. Music was a big part of her life and the life of her family. She and George sang in church choir, Missoula Symphony Chorale and were founding members of the singing group Couples of Note. She also loved to write, mostly stories of her family members, or stories for family members.
Ann’s house and table were expandable. There was always room for anyone who needed a place to stay, a meal or a cup of coffee. People around town would often drop by unannounced, knowing she would welcome them.
Ann dabbled in art and business courses at the University of Montana. As her children grew, she worked in retail, floral arranging and media sales. At KPAX-TV, she started as a receptionist and worked her way up to selling advertising.
Above all, her heart was with her home and family. When their nest became empty, George and Ann moved to Portland, Ore., and later, upon George’s retirement from Louisiana Pacific, to Post Falls, Idaho. Soon, grandchildren came, and there were football games, piano and dance recitals and musicals to attend. Whether she was cheering a great tackle, a beautifully sung solo or a fantastic band concert, Ann was everybody’s best cheerleader. In later years, she attended every one of George’s band rehearsals and concerts, calling herself his “roadie.”
The most important word in her vocabulary was love. Ann was proud to have started a “Hug Club,” with members joining everywhere she went. To join, one simply had to give a hug. She wanted to “make the world a more loving place, one hug at a time.” Her hugs will be missed most of all.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Audrey. She is survived by her dedicated husband of nearly 57 years, George, her brothers Chuck and Michael, her daughter Wendi Washington-Hunt (Steve), her son Gregory Washington (Phebe), her daughter Stephanie Kuffel (Rob), grandchildren Kathryn Wisnoski, Julia Hunt, Kynzie Washington, Jaxson Washington, Maara Washington, Mihret Washington, Sophie Kuffel, Anna Kuffel and one great-grandson, George Wisnoski. She is additionally survived by a great many cousins, nieces and nephews that will miss her deeply.
A memorial service is planned at 1 p.m. June 3, 2022, at One Place Church, 190 W. Centa Ave., Hayden, ID 83835. Those attending are encouraged to wear bright colors to celebrate her life and home-going. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, friends and family bring written tributes to the service, or send them to: Ann Washington Tribute, P.O. Box 3452, Post Falls, ID 83877.
