Anchorage Daily News August 10, 2008
Anchorage resident Anita Kimberley "Kim" Syren, 81, died peacefully Aug. 7, 2008, at home while surrounded by family. A wake was held at her home with the rosary at each hour and night prayers. Her son, Rev. Kermit Syren, offered the funeral Mass at Holy Family Cathedral, 800 W. Fifth Ave., followed by burial at Anchorage Memorial Cemetery and a reception in the Holy Family Cathedral basement. A Requiem Mass (Tridentine Rite) was offered at Holy Family Cathedral Aug. 30.
Kim was born May 6, 1927, in Renfrew, Ontario, Canada, where she was raised. In 1949, she graduated from St. Joseph's School of Nursing at Hotel Dieu Hospital. Kim received the Mother Superior's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Life, and those who knew her then and later recall that she contributed to the life of all those around her. She also received the Jean Mance Scholarship in public health nursing, foreshadowing her work as a foundress of Alaska Right to Life and Birthright, her participation in Operation Rescue, and the numerous years she taught natural family planning. After graduating from nursing school, Kim moved to Anchorage in 1949 and practiced nursing in the obstetrics unit of the "old" Providence Hospital. She married Lester Syren in 1951 at Holy Family Cathedral, and they brought eight children into the world. She often took them with her to daily Mass, the high point of her day. Eventually, she became an oblate of St. Benedict and took up various apostolates through the Legion of Mary, practices that formed the basis of her spiritual life. After her wedding, she donated her gown to make priest's vestments. Years later, she witnessed Pope John Paul II ordain her son Kermit a priest in St. Peter's. At that time, she addressed the 6,000 guests gathered at the Pope Paul VI Auditorium to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Legionaries of Christ. She gave the land for the Monastery of Perpetual Adoration in Anchorage and, while it was being built, was honored to have the sisters use her home as their first temporary monastery while she and her family lived elsewhere. In 1986, she was also blessed to witness her daughter Gail's final vows with the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in San Francisco. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; son, Jon; daughter, Sister Gail Marie of St. Joseph; brothers, Garry, Ainslie and Robert; and sister, Doris.
She is survived by her sister, Beverley; sons, Rev. Kermit Syren, L.C., Stephen and Les (wife Nicole) Syren; daughters, Karyn (husband Mike) Wise, Therese Syren and Wyn Froelich (husband Greg); 28 grandchildren, Catherine, Joseph, John Francis, James, Thomas, Justin, Peter, Luke, Veronica, Judy, Rachael, James, Michael, Sophia, Ben, Max, Izzy, Rose, Jess, Jen, John Paul, Carley, Joseph, Jon, Eleta, Lillian, Mary and Luke Benedict; and three great-grandchildren, Ursula, Louisa and Pia. Her family wrote: "Kim's central focus was always her family. She travelled to Canada and South Dakota regularly under difficult conditions to visit her family of origin and in-laws, and when possible, brought her children along. She made life a joyful adventure for them centered in Christ and was her grandchildren's beloved 'Gram-cracker.' "They and their parents treasured her loving and joyful presence, and she was there for them at every family celebration and holiday, even throughout her six final years of chemotherapy and surgeries. As they prayed the rosary around her bed, Kim's last words to them were, 'Oh, my beautiful little children!' " Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 2645 E. 72nd Ave., Anchorage 99507; or to the Legionaries of Christ, 275 Mechanic St., North Smithfield, RI 02896. Arrangements were by Evergreen Memorial Chapel. Visit the online memorial at legacy.com
Father's Name: Michael James Kimberley
Mother's Name: Gertrude Margaret Valiquette
Anchorage resident Anita Kimberley "Kim" Syren, 81, died peacefully Aug. 7, 2008, at home while surrounded by family. A wake was held at her home with the rosary at each hour and night prayers. Her son, Rev. Kermit Syren, offered the funeral Mass at Holy Family Cathedral, 800 W. Fifth Ave., followed by burial at Anchorage Memorial Cemetery and a reception in the Holy Family Cathedral basement. A Requiem Mass (Tridentine Rite) was offered at Holy Family Cathedral Aug. 30.
Kim was born May 6, 1927, in Renfrew, Ontario, Canada, where she was raised. In 1949, she graduated from St. Joseph's School of Nursing at Hotel Dieu Hospital. Kim received the Mother Superior's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Life, and those who knew her then and later recall that she contributed to the life of all those around her. She also received the Jean Mance Scholarship in public health nursing, foreshadowing her work as a foundress of Alaska Right to Life and Birthright, her participation in Operation Rescue, and the numerous years she taught natural family planning. After graduating from nursing school, Kim moved to Anchorage in 1949 and practiced nursing in the obstetrics unit of the "old" Providence Hospital. She married Lester Syren in 1951 at Holy Family Cathedral, and they brought eight children into the world. She often took them with her to daily Mass, the high point of her day. Eventually, she became an oblate of St. Benedict and took up various apostolates through the Legion of Mary, practices that formed the basis of her spiritual life. After her wedding, she donated her gown to make priest's vestments. Years later, she witnessed Pope John Paul II ordain her son Kermit a priest in St. Peter's. At that time, she addressed the 6,000 guests gathered at the Pope Paul VI Auditorium to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Legionaries of Christ. She gave the land for the Monastery of Perpetual Adoration in Anchorage and, while it was being built, was honored to have the sisters use her home as their first temporary monastery while she and her family lived elsewhere. In 1986, she was also blessed to witness her daughter Gail's final vows with the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in San Francisco. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; son, Jon; daughter, Sister Gail Marie of St. Joseph; brothers, Garry, Ainslie and Robert; and sister, Doris.
She is survived by her sister, Beverley; sons, Rev. Kermit Syren, L.C., Stephen and Les (wife Nicole) Syren; daughters, Karyn (husband Mike) Wise, Therese Syren and Wyn Froelich (husband Greg); 28 grandchildren, Catherine, Joseph, John Francis, James, Thomas, Justin, Peter, Luke, Veronica, Judy, Rachael, James, Michael, Sophia, Ben, Max, Izzy, Rose, Jess, Jen, John Paul, Carley, Joseph, Jon, Eleta, Lillian, Mary and Luke Benedict; and three great-grandchildren, Ursula, Louisa and Pia. Her family wrote: "Kim's central focus was always her family. She travelled to Canada and South Dakota regularly under difficult conditions to visit her family of origin and in-laws, and when possible, brought her children along. She made life a joyful adventure for them centered in Christ and was her grandchildren's beloved 'Gram-cracker.' "They and their parents treasured her loving and joyful presence, and she was there for them at every family celebration and holiday, even throughout her six final years of chemotherapy and surgeries. As they prayed the rosary around her bed, Kim's last words to them were, 'Oh, my beautiful little children!' " Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 2645 E. 72nd Ave., Anchorage 99507; or to the Legionaries of Christ, 275 Mechanic St., North Smithfield, RI 02896. Arrangements were by Evergreen Memorial Chapel. Visit the online memorial at legacy.com
Father's Name: Michael James Kimberley
Mother's Name: Gertrude Margaret Valiquette
Anchorage Daily News August 10, 2008
Anchorage resident Anita Kimberley "Kim" Syren, 81, died peacefully Aug. 7, 2008, at home while surrounded by family. A wake was held at her home with the rosary at each hour and night prayers. Her son, Rev. Kermit Syren, offered the funeral Mass at Holy Family Cathedral, 800 W. Fifth Ave., followed by burial at Anchorage Memorial Cemetery and a reception in the Holy Family Cathedral basement. A Requiem Mass (Tridentine Rite) was offered at Holy Family Cathedral Aug. 30.
Kim was born May 6, 1927, in Renfrew, Ontario, Canada, where she was raised. In 1949, she graduated from St. Joseph's School of Nursing at Hotel Dieu Hospital. Kim received the Mother Superior's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Life, and those who knew her then and later recall that she contributed to the life of all those around her. She also received the Jean Mance Scholarship in public health nursing, foreshadowing her work as a foundress of Alaska Right to Life and Birthright, her participation in Operation Rescue, and the numerous years she taught natural family planning. After graduating from nursing school, Kim moved to Anchorage in 1949 and practiced nursing in the obstetrics unit of the "old" Providence Hospital. She married Lester Syren in 1951 at Holy Family Cathedral, and they brought eight children into the world. She often took them with her to daily Mass, the high point of her day. Eventually, she became an oblate of St. Benedict and took up various apostolates through the Legion of Mary, practices that formed the basis of her spiritual life. After her wedding, she donated her gown to make priest's vestments. Years later, she witnessed Pope John Paul II ordain her son Kermit a priest in St. Peter's. At that time, she addressed the 6,000 guests gathered at the Pope Paul VI Auditorium to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Legionaries of Christ. She gave the land for the Monastery of Perpetual Adoration in Anchorage and, while it was being built, was honored to have the sisters use her home as their first temporary monastery while she and her family lived elsewhere. In 1986, she was also blessed to witness her daughter Gail's final vows with the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in San Francisco. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; son, Jon; daughter, Sister Gail Marie of St. Joseph; brothers, Garry, Ainslie and Robert; and sister, Doris.
She is survived by her sister, Beverley; sons, Rev. Kermit Syren, L.C., Stephen and Les (wife Nicole) Syren; daughters, Karyn (husband Mike) Wise, Therese Syren and Wyn Froelich (husband Greg); 28 grandchildren, Catherine, Joseph, John Francis, James, Thomas, Justin, Peter, Luke, Veronica, Judy, Rachael, James, Michael, Sophia, Ben, Max, Izzy, Rose, Jess, Jen, John Paul, Carley, Joseph, Jon, Eleta, Lillian, Mary and Luke Benedict; and three great-grandchildren, Ursula, Louisa and Pia. Her family wrote: "Kim's central focus was always her family. She travelled to Canada and South Dakota regularly under difficult conditions to visit her family of origin and in-laws, and when possible, brought her children along. She made life a joyful adventure for them centered in Christ and was her grandchildren's beloved 'Gram-cracker.' "They and their parents treasured her loving and joyful presence, and she was there for them at every family celebration and holiday, even throughout her six final years of chemotherapy and surgeries. As they prayed the rosary around her bed, Kim's last words to them were, 'Oh, my beautiful little children!' " Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 2645 E. 72nd Ave., Anchorage 99507; or to the Legionaries of Christ, 275 Mechanic St., North Smithfield, RI 02896. Arrangements were by Evergreen Memorial Chapel. Visit the online memorial at legacy.com
Father's Name: Michael James Kimberley
Mother's Name: Gertrude Margaret Valiquette
Anchorage resident Anita Kimberley "Kim" Syren, 81, died peacefully Aug. 7, 2008, at home while surrounded by family. A wake was held at her home with the rosary at each hour and night prayers. Her son, Rev. Kermit Syren, offered the funeral Mass at Holy Family Cathedral, 800 W. Fifth Ave., followed by burial at Anchorage Memorial Cemetery and a reception in the Holy Family Cathedral basement. A Requiem Mass (Tridentine Rite) was offered at Holy Family Cathedral Aug. 30.
Kim was born May 6, 1927, in Renfrew, Ontario, Canada, where she was raised. In 1949, she graduated from St. Joseph's School of Nursing at Hotel Dieu Hospital. Kim received the Mother Superior's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Life, and those who knew her then and later recall that she contributed to the life of all those around her. She also received the Jean Mance Scholarship in public health nursing, foreshadowing her work as a foundress of Alaska Right to Life and Birthright, her participation in Operation Rescue, and the numerous years she taught natural family planning. After graduating from nursing school, Kim moved to Anchorage in 1949 and practiced nursing in the obstetrics unit of the "old" Providence Hospital. She married Lester Syren in 1951 at Holy Family Cathedral, and they brought eight children into the world. She often took them with her to daily Mass, the high point of her day. Eventually, she became an oblate of St. Benedict and took up various apostolates through the Legion of Mary, practices that formed the basis of her spiritual life. After her wedding, she donated her gown to make priest's vestments. Years later, she witnessed Pope John Paul II ordain her son Kermit a priest in St. Peter's. At that time, she addressed the 6,000 guests gathered at the Pope Paul VI Auditorium to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Legionaries of Christ. She gave the land for the Monastery of Perpetual Adoration in Anchorage and, while it was being built, was honored to have the sisters use her home as their first temporary monastery while she and her family lived elsewhere. In 1986, she was also blessed to witness her daughter Gail's final vows with the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in San Francisco. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; son, Jon; daughter, Sister Gail Marie of St. Joseph; brothers, Garry, Ainslie and Robert; and sister, Doris.
She is survived by her sister, Beverley; sons, Rev. Kermit Syren, L.C., Stephen and Les (wife Nicole) Syren; daughters, Karyn (husband Mike) Wise, Therese Syren and Wyn Froelich (husband Greg); 28 grandchildren, Catherine, Joseph, John Francis, James, Thomas, Justin, Peter, Luke, Veronica, Judy, Rachael, James, Michael, Sophia, Ben, Max, Izzy, Rose, Jess, Jen, John Paul, Carley, Joseph, Jon, Eleta, Lillian, Mary and Luke Benedict; and three great-grandchildren, Ursula, Louisa and Pia. Her family wrote: "Kim's central focus was always her family. She travelled to Canada and South Dakota regularly under difficult conditions to visit her family of origin and in-laws, and when possible, brought her children along. She made life a joyful adventure for them centered in Christ and was her grandchildren's beloved 'Gram-cracker.' "They and their parents treasured her loving and joyful presence, and she was there for them at every family celebration and holiday, even throughout her six final years of chemotherapy and surgeries. As they prayed the rosary around her bed, Kim's last words to them were, 'Oh, my beautiful little children!' " Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 2645 E. 72nd Ave., Anchorage 99507; or to the Legionaries of Christ, 275 Mechanic St., North Smithfield, RI 02896. Arrangements were by Evergreen Memorial Chapel. Visit the online memorial at legacy.com
Father's Name: Michael James Kimberley
Mother's Name: Gertrude Margaret Valiquette
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