Anna Lisa Tooker, 87, of St. Anthony Park, and formerly of Cannon Falls, died July 13, 2023. She was born September 24, 1935, in Norfolk, Va., to Almon Ellsworth and Anna Lisa (Aspegren) Loomis. Anna Lisa grew up in multiple locations across the country while her father served in the US Navy during World War II.
Anna Lisa majored in geography at Antioch College of Ohio and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Chatham College of Pennsylvania in 1966. She later earned a degree in library science from the University of Minnesota.
After serving as a librarian in Minneapolis, Farmington and Red Wing, she completed her career in 1992 as director of the Red Wing Public Library. She lived for many years in Cannon Falls Township, where she and her husband Charles Taft Tooker operated an apple orchard.
A gentle spirit with a strong inner core, Anna Lisa continued a lifelong love of books and reading. She taught her daughters the value of education and independence. Although she enjoyed nothing more than a one-on-one deep conversation in a quiet space, she had a sense of adventure and intense curiosity that led her to engage with many people.
Anna Lisa is survived by daughters Lydia (Wm. Scott) Midness and Rachel (Randy Roberts) Tooker; granddaughter, Brita (Drew Thrasher) Midness; and sister, Malin (John) Bennett.
Memorials in Anna Lisa’s honor preferred to Twin Cities Friends Meeting, Our Lady of Peace Hospice or a non-profit organization of your choice.
