Annette M. Bray

Annette Marilyn Bray
(nee. Hillgren)

Born May 27, 1940: adopted July 9, 1940 after being chosen by loving parents, Ralph and Priscilla Hillgren, with the help of brother, John. Raised in Sioux Fall, SD. Graduated from Washington HS in 1958 and attended Augustana College, now University. In 1982 she joined the American Legion Auxiliary. She believed in the principles of the organization and its programs. She held the positions of President of Unit 435, Richfield, MN, 1992-President of the 5th District, 2000-President of the Dept. of State for MN ALA. She was chosen to serve on the National level as NW Division chair for the Children and Youth program, the Junior Program and Girls State. She was counselor at Girls State for many years and was invited to be counselor at Girls Nation held in Washington DC. Annette was an active volunteer at the MPLS VAMC and the MN Vets Home as well as a part for the Veterans Creative Arts Festivals sponsored by the ALA. Annette worked at numerous jobs from restaurants, clothing stores, hospitals and retired from the VA working in the Social and Chaplain Departments. A truly loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Annette is proceeded in death by parents, Ralph & Pricilla Hillgren; sister, Sonja Hillgren; brother, John Hillgren; and great-granddaughter, Elouise Madsen. Annette is survived by husband, William Bray; children, Jodi Johnson and Tim (Nancy) Snyder; grandchildren, Toneisha (Scott) Laurion, Kendra Johnson, Allie Johnson, Ben Snyder and Samantha Snyder; and great-grandchildren, Rorik Madsen and Fia Madsen.

If you were unable to attend in-person, please click here for the recording of Annette's service.