Barbara Anne Botten

Our beloved Anne passed away on May 23rd, 2024. She was a beautiful woman with a kind and spirited soul. Family and friends will miss her laughter, love, and smiles.

Anne spent her first years in Albert Lea attending grade school and participating in 4H, Brownies, and Girl Scouts. She cared for and gave so much love to her younger brother Steve and his twin sister Sue. Anne was our mother’s little helper.

Anne started her journey into adulthood when she was twelve. She attended various schools including Laura Baker in Northfield and Hammer School in Wayzata. She made tons of friends and participated in craft shows, singing and dancing performances, cooking classes, and travel excursions. She started working at Opportunity Workshop, making her own spending money. She loved cashing her checks and feeling independent.

In 1975 she came back to Albert Lea and lived independently in several apartments and her condo. She graduated from Albert Lea Technical College in 1991 with a degree in Occupational Skills. Mom and Dad threw a big party on her behalf. Anne continued her tutoring, work, and day program and was a huge fan of attending social events. After Anne’s open-heart surgery, she moved into Skylark group home in Albert Lea where she had many loving staff and friends. Sundays were special to Anne, off to church and lunch afterward. Anne had a strong faith and church was important to her. The family loved her prayers at gatherings, ‘Thank you God for everything!’

After our mother Barbara died in 2015 sister Sue suggested to Anne that she move up to the cities. We found a beautiful home in Bloomington. Anne attended MCPA, a day program that specializes in theater where she participated in performances. We so enjoyed watching her sing. Her favorite song was Moon River.

Anne loved to travel. She went to Disney World with her loving friend Lynn in December 2023. They had a blast. Anne’s heart began failing in February and she passed away peacefully in her sleep. Anne lived a beautiful life full of achievements. We are all so proud of her. Anne was a bright star in our lives.

Anne is survived by her sister Susan and Susan’s husband David, Susan’s daughter Lindsey (Ryan) and son Matt (Lila); nieces Stephanie (Joe) and Melissa; nephew Chris (Heather); grandnieces Jossilyn, Linda, Skye, Paisley, Claire and Leona; grandnephews Jackson, Logan, Connor; cousins Bob (Marilyn), Linda, who was there with us through Anne’s hospice journey, John (Richard), Barbara, Lynne, and Pat (Colleen).

Anne is preceded in death by her parents Barbara and Harvey, her brother Steve, and sister-in-law Linda.

Anne will be laid to rest at a memorial burial on Monday, June 10th at 1 PM, at Graceland Cemetery in Albert Lea, MN.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, July 13th at 11 AM, at Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, MN.