It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of one of our most beloved members Anne Melle Hilgermann. She died at the age of 93 on Dec. 26, 2016.
Anne was an original, and by that I mean she stood up for gay rights with other parents even before she knew her own sons were gay. She was a pioneer and a lifelong activist for LGBT equality, becoming a member of PFLAG in the early 1970s and remaining a member until she died.
She was outspoken when it came to discrimination, inequality and social justice, but she was never disrespectful; she was always loving and kind. At PFLAG support meetings, she was everyone’s grandmother, imparting words of wisdom, understanding and providing hugs to all.
A few years ago, the West Seattle Herald published a wonderful article about Anne and her son Len that will give you a very good understanding of the treasure this world has lost.
Anne had been ill for quite some time, but it was her body that was failing her, not her mind nor her spirit. It’s that spirit that will live on within all of us who knew her.
In honor of Anne, let’s continue the good fight for social justice and equality for all.
Deb Dahrling
President, PFLAG Seattle Board of Directors
