Anna Diana Dijkman Springer's Obituary
Anna Diana Dijkman Springer passed away Friday, October 11, 2024, in American Fork, Utah. She was 79.
Anna was born in Soest, the Netherlands on January 7, 1945, to Reina Hulstede Dijkman Loyer and Jacobus Dijkman. Growing up in post-WWII Europe, she witnessed the devastations of war and learned great empathy for the suffering. From the time she was a young teenager, she worked in nursing, caring for, at different times, children, soldiers, and the elderly. At age 18, she immigrated with her mother to the United States where she continued nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco, California. Anna was able to travel the world as a flight attendant with Trans International (TIA) for several years, but much of her career was taking care of the elderly as a CNA.
Anna leaves behind a legacy of kindness. Her greatest talent was ensuring others were seen and included. In her years of caring for the elderly, she ensured they received love and affection until their own passing. Anna had an endless well of patience, compassion, and generosity. She accepted and loved people as they were, without trying to change them, and was always proud of others’ achievements. Beautiful music, nature, and dogs brought her great joy.
Anna is survived by daughter Anja Tarantino of Springfield, Oregon, son Tristram (Mel) Tarantino of Long Beach, California, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by her dear friend and sister-in-law Marjeanne Amanze, brother-in-law Kevin Bowen, two nephews and a niece. She is preceded in death by her husbands James Tarantino and Richard Springer, her parents, and brothers Adam Dijkman and Robert Dijkman. A private family ceremony will be held at her burial site in California next spring during the Netherlands’ tulip bloom.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. As Anna was a survivor of breast cancer, please consider donating to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in lieu of flowers.
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