Anna Christine Bourassa, 59

January 25, 1967 -

July 28, 2026

 

Anna Christine "Chris" Bourassa, 59, of Cresco, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, during a procedure to treat blood clots following a living donor liver transplant.

Chris had looked forward to her transplant as a second chance at life. She faced years of liver disease with remarkable courage and hope, and she was excited for the future. Her unexpected passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of her family and countless friends who loved her.

She was born in Norfolk, Virginia on January 25th, 1967, to Ray and Elizabeth Hall. She moved to Georgia, then Oklahoma, where she spent most of her youth.

To know Chris was to know kindness. She was compassionate, spirited, spunky, and endlessly empathetic. She genuinely cared about others and would gladly give the shirt off her back if it meant helping someone else. More than anything, she wanted the people she loved to be happy.

For nearly thirty-five years, Chris served faithfully as a nurse. Her patience, gentle spirit, and unwavering optimism made her an incredibly warm nurse. She believed in encouraging others, finding hope even during difficult times, and treating every person with dignity and compassion.

Outside of work, Chris embraced life's simple joys. She loved spending time outdoors, soaking up every bit of sunshine she could. Her family often joked she’s had so much sun, that she now had to limit herself to just fifteen minutes in the sun at a time, though everyone knew she would have happily stayed outside much longer if she could, tanning oil and all.

One of her favorite places on earth was the family's cabin in Lansing, Iowa. It was a place where worries faded away, laughter came easily, and precious family memories were made. Whether relaxing on the deck, sitting in the water on the river, enjoying the sunshine, or simply spending time with the people she loved most, the cabin always felt like home.

Chris was also an incredible cook who was always eager to try a new recipe. Music was another of her great joys. She loved the classic hits of the 1970s, '80s, and '90s, often turning every car ride or gathering into a game by asking everyone to guess the artist. She sang loudly, confidently, and with a smile, never pretending to be a great singer but always enjoying every note. Like her mother before her, she simply loved to sing.

Family was the center of Chris's world. 

She shared an extraordinary marriage with her husband, Dave, who faithfully stood beside her throughout her years of illness. He attended hundreds of medical appointments, offered unwavering strength through every challenge, and remained her constant source of comfort. She often referred to him as both her "rock" and her "knight in shining armor," and their love was evident to everyone who knew them.

She deeply loved her son, Josh, whom she affectionately called her "Sunshine." There was never a doubt how proud she was of him, and she never missed an opportunity to remind him just how much she loved him. She also cherished her daughter-in-law, Grace, who quickly became another daughter in her heart. Chris was grateful for the love Grace showed Josh and often bragged about what a wonderful cook she was.

Chris adored her black Labrador, Luna, who was thoroughly spoiled and loved every single day.

She treasured time with her brothers and extended family. Like many siblings, they teased and argued from time to time, but underneath it all was a bond built on deep love, loyalty, and countless cherished memories. She always looked forward to the next opportunity to gather with family.

Chris also carried a deep love for her parents, Ray and Elizabeth Hall. She missed them dearly after their passing and often spoke of them with love and gratitude. It brings comfort to know they are together once again.

Above all else, Chris had an extraordinary capacity to love. She made the people around her feel important, valued, and deeply cherished. Her warmth, generosity, encouragement, and unwavering love will continue to live on in everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

Chris is survived by her devoted husband, Dave Bourassa; her son, Josh Bourassa (Grace); her brothers Ray (Dawn), Brad (Teresa), and Barry (Tyler); along with many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and her faithful black Labrador, Luna.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray Hall and Elizabeth Hall.

Though our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the fifty-nine years we were blessed to share with her. Her kindness, laughter, strength, and unconditional love will remain with us always.

A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Cresco. Visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Schmelzer Funeral Home in Cresco. There will be no visitation prior to the service on Friday morning. Schmelzer Funeral Home in Cresco is handling arrangements.