Anne Marie Zorn, 64

Anne Marie Zorn, 64, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on May 21, 2026. 

Anne Marie was born to John and Lorna (Dawley) Schwartz on Oct. 1, 1961, in Kalispell. She spent her childhood in Kalispell, where she attended Russell Elementary School, Linderman, Kalispell Junior High School and was a proud graduate of Flathead High School. She attended Biola University in La Mirada, California, and later transferred to Montana State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on literacy from the University of Texas-Arlington in 2016.

Anne Marie spent her career as an elementary school teacher and reading instructional coach, starting at H.C. Davis Elementary School in Cut Bank. She spent the majority of her career in the Flathead Valley, lending her talents to students and educators at Cross Currents Christian School in Whitefish, Helena Flats School and East Evergreen Elementary School. She ended her career in Kelso, Washington, where she served as both teacher and instructional coach. Her passion for early literacy was evident to all those whom she encountered, and she was always thrilled to discuss the science of reading with anyone who would listen. She found her greatest professional joy in coaching fellow educators as they worked to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to help students learn to read and write. Upon moving back to Kalispell after her retirement, she became her grandchildren’s greatest cheerleader and teacher as they, themselves, learned to read and write.

Anne Marie’s greatest joy was found in her role as wife, mother and grandma. Anne Marie married the love of her life, Dan, on June 20, 1987. Anne Marie and Dan truly lived their lives together as a team and were best friends in every sense of the word. They were able to travel the world together in their retirement and attended countless concerts and live professional sporting events. However, they also found great joy in simply sharing a cup of coffee by the fire, taking a long and slow boat ride in the early morning hours, or working on a song together in preparation for choir practice. Theirs was a marriage that served as a model for those around them, and their love, admiration and respect for one another were evident to anyone who spent time with them. 

In her role as mother, Anne Marie found ways to love each of her four children completely and uniquely. A lyric from one of her favorite Avett Brothers’ songs states, “I love you and I’m proud of you both in so many different ways.” She lived that lyric and her pride and love for each of her children was abundantly evident at every juncture in their lives. She was born to be a grandma. Her endless kindness and patience were evident in every interaction with her five grandbabies. She loved them tirelessly and was a constant presence at every performance, sporting event and school function.

Anne Marie is survived by her beloved husband, Daniel Zorn; her children Christina Roberts (Derek), Jaimee Elliott (Tyler), John Zorn and Stephen Zorn (Katie); grandchildren Lincoln, Deacon, Oliver, Jack and Bindi; her siblings Helene Jane Felker (Jim), Jeanie Simmons (Scott) and Chris Schwartz (Terri) and her father-in-law Dale Zorn. She also leaves behind numerous in-laws and nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lorna Schwartz and her mother-in-law Marlene Zorn.

It’s impossible to encapsulate the essence of Anne Marie in so few words. She was simply the best of us, dedicating her life to the service of others and was committed to showing love to everyone around her. She was a master at encouraging others to find joy in the world, which is what she would want us all to do, even as we grieve her loss. Her family is grateful for the rich legacy that she leaves.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.