Anne Stella Checkvala RACINE – Anne Stella (nee: Fojtik) Checkvala, 84, passed away on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at Liberty Shores/Harbor House in Poulsbo, WA. Anne was born on February 12, 1928 in Racine, WI, the daughter of Slovak immigrants, Michael and Mary (nee: Sevcik) Fojtik. She was a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School. On June 10, 1950, she was united in marriage to William J. Checkvala at Holy Trinity Church in Racine, WI, William preceded her in death on December 12, 1992. Anne was employed as an office manager at J.C. Penny and as a bookkeeper at Brannum Lumber. For many years, she also worked as a waitress at Club J&J on Racine Street. Anne was a long time member of Holy Trinity Church and remained very active in her church until it’s closure. She was also a member of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association. In July, 2000, she moved to Poulsbo, WA, to live near her daughter. She was a loving and devoted, wife, mother and grandmother. She had a smile and hug for everyone, never spoke an unkind word towards another and sacrificed lovingly for her family, children and husband. Those who knew her best, affectionately called her “Auntie Anne.” She is survived by her children, Patricia Van Diest of Poulsbo, WA; William Checkvala of Grass Valley, CA; Mary Checkvala of Longmont, CO and Elizabeth (Dan) Peters of Aurora, CO. Her grandchildren, Mikayla Peters and Ian Peters both of Aurora, CO, her siblings, Helen Gregory of Racine and Mary Perrine of Kenosha, and many nieces and nephews also survive her. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Mike, Joe, John and Ed Fojtik and sister, Marge Fojtik. A Memorial Service & Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 21, 2012 at St. Sebastian’s Parish, 3126 95th Street, off of Hwy. 11, in Sturtevant, WI 53177. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at 10:30 AM. The mass will be held at 11:00 AM, with a memorial service to follow at the church. Lunch will be served in the church basement after the service. All attending the services are welcomed. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, attended by immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Anne Checkvala’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 620 S. 76th Street, Suite 160, Milwaukee, WI 53214. Donations can also be made to St. Sebastian’s Parish.