Anne Hatcher

Anne Hatcher, age 75, of DeForest, WI passed away surrounded by her loved ones on December 22, 2020 in Madison, Wisconsin. She was born on July 30, 1945 in Irwinton, Georgia, the daughter of James Robert Hatcher and Rupert Fountain Hatcher.

The template for this obituary wants us to tell you that our mother attended the University of Georgia, and that she worked for most of her career in healthcare administration, but that tells you so little about who our mother was as a person, and that’s so much more important. She loved with an open heart, and taught her daughters to do the same. At the core of her love for others was her Christian faith, firmly knowing that Jesus always holds her close. This was evidenced by her favorite Bible verse, Psalm 91:3. “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

She believed that every person is of worth regardless of our differences and regardless of other peoples’ opinions. She loved taking road trips and pointing out the various flora and fauna along the route, spending time with her grandkids, a Mr. Goodbar and a cold Pepsi. Mom had an eye for beauty, appreciating the simple things like the color of a clear blue sky against the green grass. She was an artist who created beautiful quilts that are now our special treasures. She was also the curator of her very own art gallery that included every piece of art her grandchildren had ever given her. Mom also liked outdoor adventures and loved to zip around on four-wheelers and relax on the pontoon.

Mom would point out that she was an imperfect person, so we will also point out some of her “imperfections”. Despite the Irish lessons she entertained from her son-in-law, she only spoke one language. She watched a lot of Naked and Afraid and that Alaskan Bush People show. She actually liked McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish sandwiches. She thought Pitbull was a “sharp dressed, good-looking fella”.

Her imperfections disguised loving truths: She was very proud that her daughters had all found partners who loved and respected them, and she loved her sons-in-law dearly. Mom always liked to ask questions, and she liked to see people doing extraordinary things - even if those people were buck naked in the Amazon for 30 days for no apparent reason. She could find happiness in anything - even in a Filet-O-Fish, and she apparently had an affinity for the Miami sound and a well-cut suit.

Mom found peace in the quiet moments, and stood beside the ones she loved in times of celebration and in times of need. She was modest, and would be surprised and profoundly moved by how many people remember her with such love, respect, and warmth. She will be deeply missed. She was loved. She WAS love.

Anne’s memory will be sustained by her daughters Dawn Eugenia Harding (Marquis), Shannon Anne Linde (Paul), and Jennifer Louise O’Neill (Jeff); her brother, Bob Hatcher; her grandchildren, Paul Frederick Harding (Natalia Capozziello), Lukas James Harding, Delaney Anne Harding, Noah Marquis Harding, Thomas Elton O’Neill, and Emma Anne O’Neill; her granddoggies, Bowzer Sebastian Linde and Bullet Danger O’Neill; her grandkitty, James Connolly O’Neill; and many other loved ones.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Rupert (Pert) Fountain Hatcher, and her father, James Robert (Pete) Hatcher. They are probably sitting on a pond somewhere, fishing and talking to the crows and missing us.

As per Anne’s wishes, there are no formal funeral services. She never did like being the center of attention. We ask that all of you take some time to think about what she meant to you, and to honor her in your own special way. We will be grilling hot dogs and using a crazy amount of ketchup in Mom’s honor when the snow melts in Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to nonprofits and organizations that you think would best represent Anne’s memory. Shriners Hospitals, St. Jude, The Chicago English Bulldog Rescue Group, Heifer International, your local womens’ shelters - any of these would be a fitting way to honor her memory.

Thank you for loving our mom and for being a part of the tapestry of her life. We would like to leave you with a few words that were dear to Mom.

Do not stand at my grave and weep;

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow;

I am the diamond glints on snow;

I am the sunlight on ripened grain;

I am the gentle autumn’s rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand by my grave and cry.

I am not there; I did not die.

The good life here is the answer.

There is peace with belief in Jesus our Lord.

Jesus counseled, “Let your heart not be troubled, believe in me.” If you trade your past for his forgiveness, surrender your present into his control and trust your future to his guidance, you will have peace.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace  Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com