Anna Vandervest

Annie Vandervest, a longtime employee of Essentia Health - St. Joseph’s Medical Center for 43 years, died of natural causes on November 18, 2024 at the Essentia Health hospital in Brainerd, MN with her family at her side. She was 73.

Annie was born March 7, 1951 in Brainerd, MN, to Earl (Curly) Vandervest & Minnie (Snappy) Vandervest, née Booth. At four years of age she moved to Ely, MN where she lived until she was 16. She then moved back to Brainerd and graduated from Brainerd High School in 1969. Following high school, she became a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and in 1973 stared working at St. Joseph’s medical center. She worked as a nurse until an injury necessitated a career change as a clerk in medical records also at St. Joseph’s where she worked until her retirement in 2016.

On June 11, 1971 she married David William Svir (divorced June 7, 1986). They lived in Brainerd, MN and became the parents of three children. 

Annie was a member of the Lakes Area Presbyterian Church and she was a dedicated volunteer for many causes. She made 20 trips to Guatemala for medical missions with Helps, International. She volunteered at the woman’s shelter, Crisis Hotlines (among many other causes) and most recently at The Center (AKA the Brainerd Senior Center). She was generous, had many friends and will be missed by many.

She is survived by her daughter Kimberly (Kymm) Svir, Brainerd, MN, and sons David Svir (Cheryl), Leesburg, VA, and Matthew (Matt) Svir, Pillager, MN; Four grandchildren (Easton, Cache, Xander & Declan); sisters Susan Vandervest (Karen), Woodbury, MN; Collen (Cal) Larson (Craig), McKenna, WA; and brother Merle Vandervest (Sandy), Babbitt, MN and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Annie’s message to everyone: “Thank you for the many years of love, friendship, support & even tears. I treasure each and every one of you. I have so many precious memories of you and of [the] Guatemala trips – God Bless and I love you.”

Memorials can be made directly to the Brainerd Senior Center, 803 Kingwood Street, Brainerd, MN 56401 or at www.thebrainerdcenter.com or to St. Jude’s children hospital.

Funeral Service will be the last week in July.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.