Anna Sherlock

Anna Sherlock was born on December 19, 1966, and spent much of her childhood growing up near Hettinger, North Dakota. When her mother, Dusty, married Larry Thoreson, the family made their home on the family farm near Kathryn, North Dakota. It was there that Anna spent the remaining school years and graduated from high school. She went on to attend the University of Mary and then the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, where she earned her nursing degree and began what would become a lifelong passion for caring for others.

Nursing was never just a career for Anna. It was a calling, a source of pride, and an important part of who she was. She devoted countless hours to her patients, often working late nights, long shifts, and whatever hours were necessary to ensure those in her care received the attention and compassion they deserved. Her dedication, strong work ethic, and commitment to providing exceptional care quickly earned her the respect of her colleagues and opened the door to numerous leadership roles in nursing and healthcare administration.

Anna believed in hard work, accountability, and leading by example. She expected a great deal from those around her but never asked anyone to do something she wasn't willing to roll up her own sleeves and do herself. She was a fierce advocate for her coworkers, employees, and patients, never afraid to speak up for what she believed was right. Those who worked alongside her knew that while she could be tough, she was equally loyal, dependable, and committed to helping others succeed.

One of Anna's proudest professional contributions was her work in helping shape opportunities for future generations of nurses. Alongside fellow nursing leaders, she helped develop an educational pathway that allowed nursing students to begin their studies at North Dakota's two-year colleges and continue their education at four-year universities. Her efforts helped lay the groundwork for programs that continue to create opportunities for aspiring nurses across the state. It reflected something Anna deeply believed: that caring for others also meant making sure there would always be another generation ready to carry that responsibility forward.

While Anna gave so much of herself to her profession, her family and the home she built with her husband, Jarrod, and their three children were equally important parts of her life.

On the rare occasions she wasn't working, Anna loved spending time antiquing with family, friends, and colleagues. She had an eye for finding treasures, and the family home in Dazey was filled with antique furniture, decorations, and pieces she had collected over the years. Each find seemed to have its own place and story, and together they helped make their house a home.

Anna also appreciated the simple joy of a good meal shared with the people she loved. With busy schedules and the demands of everyday life, gathering around the table was an opportunity to slow down, share stories, laugh, and simply enjoy being together. Those moments, whether around a holiday table or an ordinary family dinner, became memories her family will forever cherish.

Anna was a woman of strong convictions, quick wit, and a deep love for her North Dakota roots. She was never one to shy away from sharing her opinion, particularly when she believed a little common sense could solve the problem at hand. She proudly proclaimed that while she was a good American, she was an even greater North Dakotan. In her mind, many of the world's challenges could be solved with a healthy dose of that familiar "North Dakota no-nonsense, common sense."

Even after facing several health challenges in her later years, Anna never lost the heart of a nurse. She often spoke of how much she missed her patients, her colleagues, and the work that had meant so much to her. Though her career had changed, compassion, determination, and desire to care for others remained a part of her until the very end.

Anna's memory will be forever cherished by her three children: Justin Sherlock of Dazey, North Dakota; Hunter (Quinten) Scott of Grand Forks, North Dakota; and Seth Sherlock of Minot, North Dakota; as well as her beloved grandchildren, Joseph “JJ” James and Emmersyn, who brought so much joy to her life. She is also survived by her father, Larry Thoreson; brother, Brad Thoreson; parents-in-law, James and Helen Sherlock; brothers-in-law, Josh (Jackie) Sherlock and Peter (Janae) Sherlock; sister-in-law, Rachelle (Jon) Martin; and numerous cherished aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jarrod Sherlock; her mother, Dusty Thoreson; and her precious nephews, Caleb and Luke Martin.

Anna's life was one of dedication, perseverance, love, and an unwavering belief in doing things the right way. She worked hard, loved deeply, stood firmly by her convictions, and left a lasting impact on the people whose lives she touched. Her legacy lives on not only through her children and grandchildren, but also through the countless patients she cared for, the colleagues she supported, and the nurses whose futures she helped shape.

We like to imagine that Anna is now walking the fields and pastures of heaven, reunited with those she loved and taking in all the beauty around her. And knowing Anna, she's probably already telling God that while heaven is certainly beautiful, even he would have a hard time topping one of the sunsets he blessed her beloved North Dakota with.

Her work here is done, but her love, her strength, and her unmistakable North Dakota spirit will live on in all who knew her.

Celebration of Life and Funeral Services

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Dazey Community Center in Dazey, North Dakota.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Dazey, North Dakota.

A meal and time of fellowship will follow the service at the Dazey Community Center.

In Lieu of Flowers

In honor of Anna’s lifelong dedication to nursing and her passion for educating future generations of nurses, the family kindly requests that memorial gifts be directed to the Department of Nursing Scholarship Fund at the University of North Dakota in lieu of flowers.

Memorial contributions may be sent to:

UND Foundation 3501 University Ave Stop 8157 Grand Forks, ND 58202