Anna Charlson, of Porter, a lifelong area resident, died Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2005 at V.N.A. Horton Hospice Center, Valparaiso. She was 97.

She was born March 6, 1908 in Chesterton, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Vanek) Svancar, both of whom preceded her in death.

On Oct. 25, 1928 she married Gustaf Raymond Charlson, who preceded her in death Jan. 13, 1941.

She is survived by two daughters, Lenora (Ted) Iwan of Porter and Loua (John) Watkins of Carmel, Ind.; five grandchildren, Linde (Larry) Hardaway, Starla (John) Van Wormer, Chris (Karla) Etchason, Ray (Karen) Etchason, Jeff Watkins, Cindy (LeLand) Moore and four great-grandchildren, Kelsi and Kadie VanWormer and Jennifer and Matthew Moore.

She was also preceded in death by two daughters, Leona Rayan Charlson and LaVonne (Orrie) Etchason on May 31, 2005; a brother Martin Svancar and a sister, Elizabeth Schlobahm.

Anna was a very active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Chesterton. She was an avid seamstress, worked for many years at Smith and Sons, also worked at Pillman Grocery in Porter and during the War, she worked at U.S. Steel in Gary.

Funeral Services, Rev. Erich R. Fickel officiating, will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 7 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 106 E. 1100N, Chesterton. Interment will be at Chesterton Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd St., Chesterton.

Memorials may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Posted 11/4/2005