Anna Mae Lund-DeMond, 99, of Belleville, IL, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Belleville, IL, on November 25, 1925, to Wilbert R. and Anna C. (née Seib) Beese. Ann was a gifted china painter, an avid bridge player, a skilled seamstress, and a loving wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma who brought creativity, laughter, and light into the world.
Ann married Ralph Lund in 1945, and together they raised two daughters, Connie and Carla, until his passing in 1991 after 46 years of marriage. She poured the same joy and humor that defined her life into her family, teaching by example how to laugh often, stay curious, and never shy away from hard work or an opportunity for adventure.
A prolific china painter, Ann created personalized gifts for family and friends for the holidays and other important milestones. She proudly showcased her hand-painted plates and home décor at artisan markets where her work caught the eye of many who admired her talent. Her creativity also shone through her sewing. Ann was an accomplished seamstress who created elegant evening gowns, everyday outfits, Halloween costumes, and even Carla’s wedding dress. She passed that talent on to her daughters, teaching them the patience and satisfaction of crafting something beautiful by hand.
Ann’s social circle was as wide as her interests. She loved friendly competition, whether at the bridge table, bowling alley, or on the golf course, and her charismatic energy made every event brighter. She was also the heart of every family gathering, participating in every special occasion to support her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In her late sixties, Ann learned to play golf, a new adventure she embraced with Charles, whom she married in 1993. With persistence, natural ability, and her trademark good humor, she was winning Senior’s tournaments just a few years later. Her openness to learning, vibrant spirit, and genuine interest in others won her friends both on and off the course.
Her beloved dogs were constant companions, filling her days with affection and delight. A lifelong animal lover and nature enthusiast, Ann found pleasure in watching birds at her window, cultivating her roses, and talking with her loved ones about it all. Of her many accomplishments, family was her greatest pride. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and never missed a birthday, graduation, or other opportunity to celebrate them.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, her siblings, Harold Beese, Helen Gooding, and Larry Beese; Charles’ son, Jim Hohrein, and many close friends.
Ann is survived by Charles DeMond, her devoted husband of 32 years; daughters, Connie Lund and Carla (Dr. P. Douglas) Becherer; grandchildren, Mindi (Jay R.) Franzese, Courtney (Nicholas) Holtzman, and Paul Adam (Alivia) Becherer; as well as seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by Rocky (Nancy) DeMond (Charles’ son); Aubrey Parker (Rocky’s daughter); Kitty Hohrein (Charles’ daughter-in-law); and grandchildren, Lisa (Jon) Harley, Denise Buckley; and Julie Watkins (Kitty and Jim’s daughters); three great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces. Also surviving is her beloved dog, Bella.
Ann had both grace and grit in equal measure, and will forever be remembered for her quick wit, open mind, generous heart, and ever-present enthusiasm for trying new things and meeting new people. Ann will be dearly missed, and her zest for life lives on in her family.
Memorials in Ann’s honor may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society (bahs.org) or to an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends are invited to celebrate Ann’s life well lived from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday, November 1, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Memorial services will be held at 12 noon Saturday, November 1, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Jonathan Tinge officiating.
Private burial will take place at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL, at a later date.
