Anne Solveig Brandvik Moisanen was born to Ellen Opsahl and Arne Brandvik on August 1, 1920, at the Brandvik farm in Gjemnes, Norway. Anne, her brother, Kory, and their mother remained with family in Norway while Anne’s father emigrated to the Grays Harbor area to find work. Anne was a very active little girl, climbing trees and running all over the farmland. Anne was eight years old when she, her brother and mother were able to move to Hoquiam to join her father. Anne attended grade school in Hoquiam, starting in the first grade, even though she had already attended school in Norway. She attended junior high and high school in Hoquiam, participating in orchestra and band. She also was in a Girl Scout troop, and was a Girl Scout leader to younger girls. Anne loved horses, and rode as often as possible with friends. Anne graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1940, and attended Grays Harbor College after high school. That is where she met her future husband, Eugene Maxim (Max) Moisanen. Anne and Max were married on January 22, 1942, before Max enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Anne worked at Acme Door Company and Lamb Grays Harbor during the war years.
Anne and Max bought their home and acreage just outside of Montesano when Max returned home from World War II. Their daughter, Ingrid, was born in 1946, and their son, Jan, in 1949. Anne was a stay-at-home mom, but remained very active in Girl Scouting, leading several troops over the years. She led groups of Girl Scouts and other friends of Ingrid’s into the Olympic Mountains for several summer back-packing trips. Anne also hosted Girl Scout Day Camp in what was called the Moisanen Woods. Anne was also a Cub Scout leader and encouraged Jan to work toward his God and Country Award and Eagle Scout.