Annie was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, the beloved, first child of Stephen E. Smith, Sr. and Kay Cebrian Smith. Annie’s younger siblings, Jane, Stephen Jr. and Leigh soon followed and together they forged an unbreakable bond from the start. Their house was lively and filled with laughter, but most importantly a lot of love. Annie lived in many communities throughout Alaska including Fairbanks, Northway, and Kotzebue due to her father’s career as an Alaska State Trooper, though she primarily grew up in Homer, graduating from Homer High School in 1997. Always in service to others, Annie spent her first year of college at Viterbo University working towards becoming an Army nurse, but then transferred to the University of Alaska Anchorage, graduating in 2003 with a Bachelors of Social Work with honors.

Annie had a remarkable ability to make people feel safe in her presence, and accepted them completely for who they are. Annie was generous, not only financially as she was able, but in her time, attention, and in offering unwavering support to others. She lived every day by the Golden Rule.

Annie loved traveling and especially vacationing in warm weather, knitting, shopping, watching documentaries, being cozy in her surroundings, but most of all spending time with her family and those she loved. Family was everything to Annie, and she was fiercely loyal. Annie was especially overjoyed when she became auntie to Jack, then later Cate. They were the light of her life and she cherished them and was so proud to be their “Eeee,” a nickname given to her by Jack when he wasn’t able to say Auntie Annie.

In 2021, Annie met her partner Daniell Burns, and she enjoyed many wonderful years with him and being a mother figure to his sons, Harrison and Max. They enjoyed Alaskan adventures together, and eventually purchased a home together in Eagle River.

An old soul with a youthful spirit, kindness radiated from Annie. Compassion for others was inherent in her nature, time and time again putting others needs before her own comfort. She was gentle and unassuming, but determined, which balanced perfectly with her infectious giggle and twinkle in her eye. A true blend of grace and moxie. Annie simply sparkled.

Annie resided in the Anchorage area for the majority of her adult life. She enjoyed many vocations during this time, from her college practicum at Planned Parenthood of Alaska and later working at the agency, devoting herself to ensuring the availability of safe and affordable health care for others. A very hard worker her entire life, she worked at and managed The Body Shop and studied to become an aesthetician, eager to enhance the natural beauty of her clients.

Annie later moved into working full time and becoming an owner of long time family business, Far North Yarn Co. She poured herself into the yarn shop, elevating it and creating a space for all. Annie had a special gift for connecting with others. She was unrivaled in her ability to make those around her feel special, seen, and supported. Annie would help others with their knitting projects, finding the perfect yarn, or starting a new project, and then she would often help them with some aspect of their personal life.

Annie was fierce and successful in enduring her first breast cancer battle at the age of 33. Despite this awful disease recurring and eventually overtaking her, she fought with everything she had to survive. Annie was a founding board member of the Anchorage Young Cancer Coalition, an organization dear to her whose mission is to offer support to younger individuals experiencing cancer. She was an active participant for many years with AYCC, participating in numerous events, sharing her cancer journey, and providing space at the yarn shop for AYCC members to be together. Annie endured so much through the misfortune of having cancer, but never lost her kind and grateful spirit. She was a true angel on earth, and is now our angel in heaven.

Annie’s family is eternally grateful for the outpouring of love and support received during this unimaginably difficult time. It is a true testament to Annie’s vast and profound impact on those around her. Annie’s final gift of selflessness was donating her corneas so that another may see. Knowing Annie is our gift. May the kindness, warmth and love Annie radiated so freely be her legacy and what we can all aspire towards. Annie’s was a life well lived, and she a person so loved.

Annie joined her previously departed loved ones, her grandparents Donald and Geneva Smith, Joseph and Bonny Wavra, aunt Mary Jo Wavra, and cousin Adam Smith.

Annie is survived by those grieving the profound loss of her not being here with us; her father, Stephen E. Smith, Sr. (Nancy St. John-Smith), mother, Kay Cebrian Smith (Jose Juan “Pepe” Cebrian Luengo), sister, Jane Kimura (James Kimura), brother, Stephen E. Smith, Jr., sister, Leigh Smith-Cloonan (Bill Cloonan) and their children, Jack and Cate, step-sister, Lisa Davis (Jesse Davis) and their children, Emerson and Quinn, step-brother, Jose Juan Carroll Cebrian (Jennifer Cebrian) and their children, Aidan, Madison, and Olivia, step-brother, Carroll Brady Cebrian, and her partner, Daniell Burns and his sons, Harrison and Max. Annie is further survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends who were very dear to her.

An open house celebration of Annie’s life will be held on Sunday, May 18th from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Elvera Voth Hall and Carr-Gottstein Lobby, 621 W. 6th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska. Formal remarks will begin at 3:30pm. Light refreshments will be served. Casual dress, feel free to wear something with aqua, pink, or sparkle, Annie’s favorites. Knitters are welcome to bring their knitting and knit for Annie.

If so inclined, please consider making a donation in Annie’s memory to the Anchorage Young Cancer Coalition. https://anchorageyoungcancer.com.