Anne M. Applin, age 93, of Helena

Anne Marie Applin, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away in her home on April 9, 2017. Anne was born on November 11, 1923 to Antonia and Joseph Polich in Iron River, Michigan, as one of three children. Anne grew up in the small town of Caspian, Michigan, where she attended school. Her parents were from Croatia and they originally spoke only Croatian in the home; therefore, Anne was fluent in Croatian and, in fact, when she started school she could speak very little English. However, Anne loved learning and became an avid student and quickly learned English. She graduated from high school as a top student and had hoped to attend college, but between WWII and the lack of finances, she was unable to attend college, something she said she always regretted and something that spurred her to encourage her own children to do their best in school. Many an evening would find Anne at the dining room table, heads together with her children, encouraging their studies. Her favorite saying, when one of her children asked her how you spelled a certain word, was to say, “Look it up and then you’ll know and learn it.”

Anne went to work as a waitress and then a manager to help support her parents and her sisters and continued to selflessly share herself with her family. She began dating, Arthur C.Applin, her future husband before WWII began and maintained correspondence with him throughout the war, although she says the letters were often very censored for security reasons. Anne recalls the limits during the war on coffee and many other things and she maintained this frugal nature through much of her life. On 11/29/1945 Anne married Arthur C. Applin, but they kept their wedding a secret, in order to continue to live with their respective parents to help support them. Anne and Art lived in Caspian and eventually moved to Helena to raise their family of five. Anne is preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Arthur C. Applin, her two grown children, Stephen A. Applin and Debbie K. Applin. She is survived by her three children: Cheryl L.Hanson(Kirk), Jeff J. Applin(Elaine), and Kirk P. Applin and also her grandchildren: Christy and Eric Applin and Kirsten and Kevin Hanson and her new great granddaughter, Elsie Dang Hanson. Anne also has two surviving sisters, Eleanor Last and Diane Matuschka, both from Wisconsin.

Anne continued her selfless care and love for her children, whether living in tiny trailers or the beautiful home they eventually built. She supported her children in homework and crafts and by attending sporting events and singing competitions or whatever her children chose to do. Anne was also an avid gardener, creating a veritable paradise of flowers in her yard. She also was a wonderful cook and her baking was known throughout the area; there was never a cup of coffee offered without delectable baked goods to accompany it. Anne was an incredible reader and kept long lists of all she’d read. In her 80’s she wanted to participate in her daughter’s book club and although her health kept her from physically attending the meetings, she read and discussed the books with her daughter and the book club attendees always asked: ” What did the 80 year old think?” Mom and Gram you will be deeply missed and know you are and will always be so loved.

Graveside services will be held at the Montana State Veterans’ Cemetery at Fort Harrison on Monday, April 17, 2017 at 12:30 p.m. Memorials in lieu of flowers suggested to National Multiple Sclerosis Society or American Heart Association. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Anne.

Service Schedule

Graveside Service

12:30 p.m.

Monday April 17, 2017

Montana State Veterans Cemetery

Heroe's Rd.

Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636

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