After the 2002 ADAA Conference in Hawaii, a friend and I were visiting in San Francisco for a few days.  Anna "told" me we would use her condo, she would meet us at the airport and we'd have a "light" supper with her dad.  Anna did all those things, but the supper was not "light".  It was a dinner with the whole family, her brother Norm and his wife, her nephew Eric.  It was wonderful and fun.

Then Anna, Sally and I visited Napa Valley.  The next day she gave us her car for a trip down the coast to Monterey.  Then on Sunday when we wanted to go to church, her brother drove us appropriately dressed in a Red Sox hat so that we'd feel at home.  

Her dad was so proud of Anna and that they both not only knew people from San Fancisco to Boston, but that they also called them friends.  I could go on, but space doesn't allow.  Anna I love you and miss you very much.

Anna, was a friend to everyone.  She made you feel like family and to her you were or al least you were made to feel that way by her.  I remember being in 'The City' and had no car, but not for long as before I knew it I had Anna's car! Her heart and soul was her family and her dental assistant family.  Most recently the Foundation and central office of ADAA.  Everyone knew Anna and you were happy to give and then, a little more.  She was FUN, Happy, a little loud, special, kind, hard working,more than generous, loyal, enthusiastic.to say the least.  Everyone can be replaced, but then again, every once in awhile..there are those who just leave a huge hole in our hearts and will be forever remembered and loved. Thank You ANNA, for a lot of things, but most of all for being YOU!

Mary Harrison, a friend

A few years ago, Anna was selected to serve on the Review Committee for CODA.  I called her to say "congratulations" and ask if she needed any help understanding the review process or any of the documentation since she had not been a consultant for CODA before and there was a lot of information to sift through prior to orientation. I remember my first words to her well - "Hi Anna, you probably don’t know me, but I wanted to congratulate you on your appointment and offer my assistance if you need it."  She said to me "of course I know who you are. I call you 'Smiley in the South'.”

I was so touched by her voice and we began a wonderful friendship right then and there.

I have a plaque on the top of my stairs at home and every morning going down the stairs, I see this plaque and it reminds of how special life is.  The day after I received the phone call about Anna's passing, I couldn't help but read the words of the poem on the plaque and think of Anna and how special she was.  She truly exemplified everything you hope your life will be.  It says: 

Living Life by artist Bonnie Mohr

Life is not a race - but indeed a journey.
Be Honest. Work Hard. Be Choosy.
Say "thank you" and "great job" to someone each day.
Go to church, take time for prayer. 
The Lord givith and the Lord taketh.
Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper.
Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental.
Search for your purpose and do it as best you can.
Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often.
Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them.
Some of the best things really are free.
Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming.
Forgive, it frees the soul.
Take time for yourself.
Plan for longevity.
Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know.
Live for today.
Enjoy the moment.