Annika Kelly Olson Strain

Annika Kelly Olson Strain passed away peacefully on September 6th, 2006 after her long and courageous battle with cancer. Born Nov. 14, 2002, in San Francisco, she lived all her life in The City by the Bay, though she also loved the time she spent at Lake Tahoe. Annika enjoyed going to Little Gators preschool, playing at the park and visiting the zoo.

During the last 17 months, Annika battled her cancer with tremendous strength and hope. Annika leaves behind her parents Anna and Mike Strain, as well as her little sisters Katrina and Maggie, who was born nine months after she passed.

She is also survived by her grandparents David and Dolores Olson of Walnut Creek, CA, and John and Francine Strain of San Rafael, CA; aunts and uncles, John and Lisa Strain of Greenbrae, CA; Erin Strain of SF, CA; Kristin and Darrell Bridgeford of San Luis Obispo, CA, and Erik and Debbie Olson of Walnut Creek, CA. She is also survived by her many loving cousins, JohnAugust, Karaline and AnnaSara Bridgeford; David and Spencer Olson and Sabrina and Ryan Strain; as well as her great-grandparents William and Betty Davis of Sequim, WA. Annika also had many friends and a few special buddies.

The Rosary will be held at 7:15 pm, Wed, Sept. 13th at St. Ignatius Church in San Francisco, with the Funeral mass being celebrated at St. Ignatius on Thursday, September 14th at 2:00 pm.

We would like to thank and acknowledge the wonderful and caring staff of doctors, nurses and child life specialists of UCSF Children's Hospital who cared for Annika during these many months. She truly enjoyed her time at the hospital and clinic much more than anyone really should. In lieu of flowers, we ask that contributions in Annika's memory be made to your favorite charity or one of those listed on her website www.annikastrain.com.

Published in the San Francisco Chronicle from 9/10/2006 - 9/12/2006.