Andrea ‘Andi’ Lien

Andrea ‘Andi’ Lien, 63, passed away unexpectedly on March 22, 2021 at her residence. A deeply spiritual woman, she went home to be with her savior.

Andi was a fiercely loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was also a survivor who plowed through every speed bump life tried to throw in her path. Her determination to overcome was only surpassed by her ability to love. Everyone who met her was charmed by her sparkling joy for life. She could be philosophical one moment, and comical the next. She made friends wherever she went. Andrea’s ability to love was always followed through by acts of service to others.

She spent many years as a Dietary Manager, where she devoted her energy to ensuring the best possible nutrition for the residents of Middle River Nursing Home. Fifteen years into her career she discovered quilting, and bravely blazed a new career, running an adorable quilt shop. Her perfectionism and brilliance for color play were well-suited to her passion. She was well known for her perfectly executed quilt blocks, and for fiercely debating which pieces of fabric were best suited to grace a quilt. She freely shared her gift for color and quilting knowledge with anyone who asked for her help, and regularly worked on philanthropic projects including Quilts of Valor.

Andi’s love for her family and friends was equally apparent. She loved cooking for them, and made the best bread, pasties and ham loaf in the entire world. Even though she was deathly allergic to pork, she unfailingly made ham loaf whenever asked – simply because it made her family happy. She was happiest hanging out with her family, playing in her kitchen, sewing in her studio, attending quilt camp with her friends, or working in her greenhouse.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Virginia (Cowling) Russell.

Andrea is survived by the love of her life, Dennis. Their 43-year marriage weathered every possible definition of “through sickness and health.” No one could have been a more devoted or loving wife and mother. She is also survived by her four beloved children: Heather Lien of Superior, WI, Eric (Ohnnia) Lien of South Range, WI, Garth (Louise) Lien of Melbourne, Australia, and Erin Lien (Jeremy Hawver) of Windsor, CT. Her seven grandchildren: Dylan, Logan, Anessa, Sharni, Cameron, Nick and Nate. Her six great-grandchildren: Joseph, Emillie, Benji, Chase, Rubi and Scarlett. Sister Rosemary (Steven) Tiggemann and several nieces and nephews.

Her visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until the Noon funeral service at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N 19th St. Rev. Richard Blood will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.

Andrea survived 20 years after a major episode caused by SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection). She spent a lot of time and energy trying to understand the condition and has contributed to SCAD research at MAYO clinic. In tribute to her we would ask that gifts be made in memory of Andrea Lien to Mayo Clinic in the area of SCAD Research. Donations can be made by phone, online or by mail.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.downsfh.com.