Anne Marie Milligan

Anne Marie Milligan age 68 passed away suddenly on November 11,2025 due to complications from a fall. She died as she lived, surrounded by family.

Anne was born in Dubuque, Iowa in 1957, the youngest of four children of Marcella and Joseph Van Zile. Midwestern values of faith, family and compassion were instilled from the very start. Curious and energetic, she was always up for adventure. The family relocation to Arizona provided plenty.

The happy-go-lucky tomboy, donned cowboy boots to shadow her brother Dave in all manner of outdoor fun: Marco Polo in the pool and strolling the Bassett to their family-owned Baskin Robbins Ice Cream store for his nightly cone. These wholesome ”Happy Days” memories never dimmed.

Cowboy boots gave way to high heels after the family moved to a Beaverton, farmhouse in the 60’s. Horses grazing out back foreshadowed the menagerie that would always surround her, from crazy cat Marco to devoted companion Cody. Animals brought her a sense of peace and comfort.

After graduating from St. Mary’s High School she attended Oregon State University. Like her father Joe, she exhibited artistic tendencies, learning piano by ear, and dabbling in pen and ink drawing. Her Iowa born Mom was her best friend and confidant, a relationship that sustained her emotionally and solidified her values of faith and family. Older siblings John and Jo rounded out the family game table where cheating was an art form and laughter was contagious.

Employment at Intel brought her face to face with the love of her life, Dick. Her infectious smile and his warm demeanor caused sparks at the copy machine, resulting in a loving marriage of 35 years. She said “I Do” on February 23,1990, with a promise that life would never be boring. She delivered on that promise! Step-daughters Carrie and Laurie were genuinely loved by Anne and the family soon expanded with the birth of sons, Kyle and Sean.

Stilettos were swapped for tennis shoes as Anne embraced her most joyful role: a loving Mom. Her devotion to “the boys” never wavered. Not athletic herself, she was a dedicated fan, embracing the St. Clare and Jesuit High communities as they embraced her back. Their home was a stew of family, sports and friends. The welcoming open door policy made many a teammate regard her as a second Mom. It was “Happy Days” again.

Anne and Dick also forged a successful real estate business that exists today. She ran the office, he handled operations and together they put the sweat into sweat equity.

Anne made human connection her life’s purpose: to brighten the day with a smile, to dive into conversation or wrap a warm hug on any person in her path. She did it with intention. She did it with love, to let you know you’ve been seen, heard, acknowledged.

Open arms, open heart. Simply one of a kind.

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She is predeceased by her parents Marcella (Sally) and Joseph Van Zile, her brother-in-law Steven Kish and nephew Rourke Van Zile.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard T. Milligan, sons Kyle (Nicole) and Sean Milligan, step-daughters Carrie (Bob) Cole, Laurie Vizzini, sister in-law Suzanne Morrissey, granddaughters Nixon Vizzini, Mia and Lily Cole,

siblings Jo Kish, John (Donna) Van Zile, David (Donna) Van Zile,

nieces and nephews, Ian Van Zile, Danielle (Damian) Kish, Lauren (Mike) Argier, Blake, Keegan (Jackie) and Jack Van Zile.

Services:

Funeral Mass Friday, November 21st, 1:00pm

St. Clare Catholic Church (open to all)

8535 SW 19th Ave.

Portland, OR 97219

Funeral Reception, November 21, 2;30pm (family and close friends welcome)

Tualatin Club

Internment (private)

Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, donations in Anne’s honor are suggested at:

Oregon Humane Society, Portland Campus, oregonhumane.org or

OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital ,Portland OR, ohsufoundation.org