Vanessa Alanis

In Loving Memory of Vanessa “Nessa” Alanis

Vanessa Alanis was 28 years old at the time of her unexpected passing. She resided in Grand Forks and was working as a Pharmacy Technician at Altru.

She had a way of leaving a mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was kind, caring, fiercely intelligent, hardworking and gifted in ways that were uniquely her own. Her humor could make you laugh when you least expected it and her unforgettable laugh will remain one of the many things we carry with us.

Vanessa loved the simple things that made life special: Diet Mountain Dew, chicken strips and fries, cozy hoodies, Crocs, V8 juice, dogs, nature, sunsets and looking up at the stars. She loved astrology and knew the zodiac signs of everyone around her. She loved Mexico and especially treasured her grandma Gloria’s cooking.

Her love for animals was extraordinary. She was a gifted dog handler, with a special passion for Dobermans. She could work with dogs in a way that seemed almost effortless. She was also the greatest frog catcher, and as a young child, she could somehow run faster on all fours than she could on two feet.

Vanessa enjoyed crafting and creating beautiful beadwork. Whatever she put her mind to, she approached with determination and an exceptional work ethic.

She often repeated: “If you have to shovel crap, you shovel crap high.” That was Nessa—she worked hard, never backed away from what needed to be done and gave things everything she had.

Vanessa remains deeply loved by her family.

Her mom has always been her biggest cheerleader.

She’s the best friend her dad has ever had.

Vanessa is a beloved granddaughter, daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend.

She will be missed most for all the little things that made her “Nessa.”

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Amundson Funeral Home.