Anne Elizabeth Perry (Hamilton) departed her earthly life peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, December 12, 2022, at the age of 91. Anne was born on her parents’, Merritt & Florence (Bente) Hamilton, farm in Elkader, Iowa on February 23, 1931. Anne had a love for music playing piano, alto clarinet, and participating in choir. She performed at many special occasions during her time at Elkader High School. Her musical talent led to enrollment at Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) as a music major. Later in her schooling, she changed her major to early childhood education. While a student in college Anne met Neal Perry from Waterloo, Iowa. An unbreakable bond led to their wedding in 1953 at the Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader, Iowa. Several moves later they settled in Neenah, Wisconsin. Anne taught kindergarten in neighboring Menasha, Wisconsin for the next 17 years. Together Anne & Neal raised three amazing children Marcus, Paul, and Elizabeth. Anne was an exceptional teacher, friend, loving mother, and beloved wife.
Anne & Neal celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this year in McGregor, Iowa. The two have shared a joyful retirement in rural McGregor where they have lived for the past 28 years. In retirement Anne enjoyed volunteering, needlework, preparing countless family meals (often referred to as Anne’s eats), Mother’s Day mushroom hunts, and spending time with her growing family. Anne’s kindness, compassion, and love touched the hearts of so many during her time.
Anne was preceded in death by her parents Merritt & Florence Hamilton, brother Tom Hamilton, nephew Tommy Hamilton, and children-in-laws Eva Perry & Conrad Carlson.
Anne is survived by her devoted husband, Neal; her three children, Marcus Perry, Paul Perry (Gail), Elizabeth Cesario (Mark); grandchildren, Mitchell Perry (Sarah), Alison Nielsen (Peter), Mark Cesario (Melissa), Anne Cesario (Jon), and Matthew Perry; and great grandchildren, Raegan & Parker. She is also survived by her sister, Marilyn Swanson (Larry) and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Anne’s life will be held at Peach United Church of Christ in Elkader, Iowa on Sunday, December 18th. The visitation starts at 1:00 PM with a service following at 2:00 PM. Anne will be laid to rest at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in McGregor, Iowa come springtime. The family is grateful to the staff at Great River Care Center in McGregor and Crossing River’s Hospice for their dedication and their care of Anne during her final months.
For those who wish to express sympathy the family asks to consider donating to The Great River Care Center of McGregor, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elkader, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.