Anne Ethel Faist

Anne Ethel Faist, nee Blinn, 90, of Belleville, IL, born Monday, February 27, 1933, in Chicago, IL, passed away Sunday, November 26, 2023 at her residence in Belleville, IL.

In loving memory of Anne, a vibrant soul whose adventurous spirit touched the hearts of all who knew her. Anne shared a profound connection with Gus, their love evident in the life they shared and the countless journeys they embarked upon together. Her zest for life and passion for travel created a tapestry of cherished memories that will forever be woven into the fabric of our hearts. Though she has departed, Anne’s love and the echoes of their adventures will linger as a testament to a remarkable bond.

Anne’s life was not only marked by her love for travel but also by a dedicated career in nursing. Born in 1933, she pursued her passion for healthcare and graduated from Charity Hospital School of Nursing, New Orleans, 1954; Bachelor cum laude, McKendree College, 1974; Master of Education, Southern Illinois U., 1990. Anne’s commitment to the well-being of others was evident throughout her career, where she tirelessly served in various capacities.

After completing her nursing education, Anne embraced the responsibility of public & private nursing. Her compassionate care touched the lives of those she tended to, leaving a lasting impact on patients and their families. Anne’s nurturing spirit extended beyond the walls of hospitals and private homes as she transitioned to the role of a School Nurse.

In her position as a School Nurse in the Mascoutah school district since 1971, Anne became a pillar of support for the students under her care. Her kindness, expertise, and genuine concern for the health and welfare of the young minds entrusted to her care made her an invaluable member of the school community. In 1994 Anne received a well-deserved award of Illinois School Nurse of the Year as well as the national School Nurse of the year in 1995. Anne’s dedication to her profession mirrored the same passion she brought to her relationship with Gus.

As we bid farewell to Anne, let us remember not only the adventurous spirit that defined her personal life but also the caring touch that characterized her professional journey. Anne’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, both as a devoted partner in a loving relationship and as a nurturing presence in the field of nursing.

Professional Association: Member of Illinois Association School Nurses, Junior Women’s Club and Illinois National Education Association.

She was preceded in death by her:

• Parents: Harry Beck and LaVerne Thora, nee Bard, Blinn
• Granddaughter: Emma Anne Nelson
• Former husband, David Faist

Surviving Anne

• Her partner of 46 years: Gus Damann of Belleville, IL
• Children
  • Stephen (Nancy) Faist of Key Largo, FL
  • Kenneth Beck Faist of Quincy, FL
• Sister: Linda Quick of Tallahassee, FL
• Grandchildren
  • Kristan Faist (Bill) Lambe
  • William (Serina) Faist
  • Seth Nelson
  • Charlotte Faist
• Great grandchildren
  • Averie Faist
  • Jack Nelson
  • Liam Lambe
• Niece: Leslie Anne Dunlap
• Nephew: Michael Beck (Heather) Quick

Her Survivors also include Gus’s children:

• Elizabeth Kihm (Paul)
• Melissa Damann (Tony Womack)
• Ben Damann (Mary)
• Christopher Damann (Sarah)
• Also surviving are a small horde of assorted nieces, nephews and assorted grand and great grands.

Memorials: Memorial Donations may be made to

• BJC Hospice – https://www.foundationbarnesjewish.org/Give-Hospice
• PBS Channel 9 – https://donate.ninepbs.org/ninepbs/donate
• Community Interfaith Food Pantry – https://www.feedbelleville.org/get_involved

Services: A Memorial Gathering will be held from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Friday, December 1, 2023 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.

Tallahassee Services: A Memorial Gathering will be held from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Bevis Funeral Home in Tallahassee, FL.