Anne M. Pursley

Anne M. Pursley passed away peacefully at Cottage Hospital on the evening of May 3rd. The physicians, nursing staff, and the palliative care service were wonderfully gentle and loving.

In her 90 years, Anne led a full and complex life. Growing up during the uncertainty of the Great Depression in Washington, D.C., her father nourished her spirit with frequent free visits to the Smithsonian and local library. She spent idyllic summers at her grandparents’ dairy where she lived among many aunts, uncles, and cousins and explored on horseback.

Life changed completely in 1942 when her father rejoined the Marines as a Captain in the Air Corps. She and her mother drove across the country in a ’34 Ford to a base in El Centro, California.
Married at 18, she went on to describe the births of five children as her five greatest accomplishments and proof that she could perform miracles!

Teachers, mentors, and the world of ideas gave her access to an intellectual life. She cherished her time at the University of Nevada, UCSB, and Penn State. Anne worked for more than a decade as a counselor for people confronting their addictions. When at home, she devoted her time to books and writing poetry. She was a committed member of a poets’ group for decades.

Santa Barbara was her home from 1969 until her passing. As life and time grew more precious, she became more and more grateful for all the gifts life had given her. Three of her children- Pamela, Susan and Peter (Elizabeth) reside in town. She also has three grandchildren- Samantha (Sam), Tobias, and Luke. Two of her children (Milton and Catherine) predeceased her.

Anne made many plans, but none for a service; so, friends are encouraged to visit their local libraries and offer a donation in her memory.