Memorial for Ballard drowning victim

About two dozen friends and family gathered Jan. 22 where 28th Avenue Northwest meets the water to say goodbye to longtime Ballard resident Anna Moore.

Moore's body was found in the water near McGinnis Marina Jan. 18 in what police are calling an accidental death. She was 42.

Phyllis Delorme met Moore 15 years ago at the Ballard Food Bank. She said Moore, the mother of four children, lived most of her life in Ballard after moving here from Alaska.

Delorme said Moore was epileptic, which may have led to her accident.

Despite spending much of her life cold, homeless and looking for shelter, Moore always had a smile on her face, Delorme said.

"She was a kind, quiet, wonderful lady," said Emma Starrsh, Moore's cousin. "I'm going to miss her a lot.

The other memorial attendees had fond memories of Moore, whether they had known her for years or just a few months.

"She never harmed a person," one man said. "People harmed her more than anything."

"We all loved her," said another attendee.

At the memorial service, mourners released balloons, threw roses and pinches of tobacco into the water, and burned sage.

Psalm 23 was read, as was a poem titled "A Candle Never Lit."

One attendee asked the others not to mourn for Moore too long. That will keep her soul here on Earth instead of where it belongs, she said.

UPDATE: A viewing will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 29. at Wiggins and Sons Funeral Home, located at 2003 N.W. 57th St. Moore's ashes will be interred in Metlakatla, Alaska.

Send sympathy cards to Bonnie Hayward at 3077 Lummi Shore Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226. They will be taken to family in Metlakatla.

The family will be traveling to Seattle for the viewing from Wyoming and Oregon. Moore's local family and friends would like to travel to Metlakatla for the service there. Monetary contributions or Alaska Airline mileage for travelers would be appreciated.