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Ana Sisnett Obituary

Please leave condolences for Ana Sisnett.
Published by Austin American-Statesman on Jan. 14, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ana Sisnett

Sponsored by Debra Winegarten, spirit sister.

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52 Entries

Missing Ana <br />

Lynne Phillips

August 18, 2020

Ana was a dear high school friend (IHHS). She would spend weekends at my house in Encino and I would spend weekends at hers in Compton. Loved her humor and brutal truth about the world. We almost went to Panama together one summer. Here is a sketch in her memory and is one of her kids would like it I will mail it to them. Lynne Allison Phillips '71

Ghamal Webb

November 5, 2017

Love Ya MU

Hermi Cubillos

April 17, 2011

I read in my high school newsletter that our beautiful Ana has passed away. Ana was one of my best friends when we where in high school. What made us close was that we felt so out of place in school. I kept in touch with her thru the years but lost touch until I heard she was a respected member of the Austin Community. A wonderful human being who impacted everyone she touched.

Ghamal Webb

March 2, 2011

I want to thank everyone that was in "our family". It helps to see you guys are still there and loving as always. Ghamal Webb-son of Ana Banana

david lloyd

August 8, 2010

In all sympathy...!

david lloyd

August 8, 2010

and to say i know what it's like to lose someone close...!

April 3, 2010

Sincere sympathy sisters.

March 14, 2010

Hello, I'm 13 and I struggled with ovarian cancer when I was 10..I know how hard it is...to go through all that...It's always a tough battle. I'm sorry to say that I've never gotten to know Ana, but she seems like a great person. Best wishes to all her family and friends and everyone who posts on here...

Reinel Sisnett

November 5, 2009

Hello, I never knew Ana, but I made contact with her by e-mail, She has patient with me, because I speak spanish and my english is not the best, We share the same last name and also she lived in Panama like me. I was looking my grandfather and she explains how the sisnett family came to Panama from Barbados.
Thanks you Ana for your help and God Bless you

TAYLOR LITTERAL

April 26, 2009

SHE SOUNDED LIKE A VERY NICE AND KIND TO EVERY BODY IT SEEMS SHE HAD A VERY NICE KIND GIVING HEART FOR EVERYBODY AND SHE WAS TALENTED TO FIGHT WOMENS RIGHTS ALSO I JUST READ A FAST ARTICLE ABOUT HER REALLY FAST BUT SHE SOUNDED LIKE A NICE WOMEN TO FIGHT FOR US WOMAN TO HAVE RIGHTS THANK YOU ANA SISNETT FOR FIGHTING FOR US WOMENS RIGHTS I AM ONLY 12 YEARS OLD BUT STILL THANK YOU GOD BLESS YOU ANA SISNETT

Nick Sisnett

February 25, 2009

I never knew Ana but was in contact with her to trace family connections. I send my deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

angie chabram-Dernersesian

February 2, 2009

My life was enriched by Ana's intelligence, sense of humor and ability to dance! I cannot imagine graduate school without her! I send my deepest sympathies to her two beloved children, Meredith and Ghamal.

reverdia

January 28, 2009

Dear Ana- Somewhere out there, I know you can hear & see me. I wish we could have met, talked, shared the art of life and living. Your brother just introduced us-and not in vain. You inspire me to pursue my art even now. May your partner be comforted and may God Bless and Keep her. Your beautiful face, your work, will not be forgotten. You have reminded me to love again.

Beth Gleason

January 26, 2009

Dear Ana - Whenever I saw you I called you by the secret name I had for you in my head, "Beauty Girl." You were one of the most loved and desired women in Austin. Your heart was huge...and no matter how busy you were back in the go-go tech days you always made time for the next person pulling at your sleeve for attention. Thank you for being in my documentary; now I have the Beauty Girl on tape forever. Rest well. Love, Beth

Denise Matteau

January 26, 2009

Ana, I never met you but I am breathing the air of your legacy whenever I am in the Austin Freenet office, where I have had the privilege of volunteering the past few months. You live on in the faces of people here as they step out into the internet for the first time. Thank you for all you did for us, Ana.

Janice Lee

January 24, 2009

You and your family are in my prayers, may God's love and grace comfort you at this time. There is no hurt that heaven cannot heal. Ana was a great lady that enriched everyones life that she touched.
Thanks for sharing her with the world.

Jasmin Eding

January 21, 2009

Ana,
my live wasn´t the same after i met you first in 93 in Caracas/Venezuela at the Black women´s summer institute. We shared some inspiring and loving years together. And all this years, til today and above i will keep you in my heart. Although i couldn´t make it to visit before you left, i am glad that i could talk to you on the phone last week.

The ADEFRA sistas from Germany will miss you.

in Liebe, deine Jasmin

regina ruiz

January 20, 2009

My condolences to the family. Peace be with you and God bless you and embrace your hearts.

Becky Lentz

January 20, 2009

I will miss Ana, but her inspiration lives on in many people. We met while I was a graduate student at UT Austin, and our time together inspired what would eventually become the Media Justice Fund at the Funding Exchange in NYC. As part of my research around community technology networks, we would meet weekly to talk about her work at Austin Freenet, among many other places before that. Unexpectedly, Ana revealed that these weekly meetings became important times for us to extend our work-oriented conversations into digressions that included life, love, pets, children, art, family, friends, and social justice struggles. We came to depend on these meetings for regular reflective time that fueled both of us.

As I prepared to leave Austin to move to NYC in 2001 and take up a new post at the Ford Foundation to fund media and technology advocacy, I asked Ana what wish she had for me to take along as part of my funding mission. She answered, "create a Highlander-type center for community media and technology activists." Her request inspired funding a gathering in the summer of 2002 at Highlander where Ana also took part. The rest is history that I along with many others are beginning to write - it is part of the legacy of her work.

I will remember Ana as one of my most important "life" teachers. Her integrity, creativity, and compassion continue to guide me.

Thank you Ana for your life and what it gave to me and to the world.

Lainie Duro

January 18, 2009

Ana was my shero.

Carl Webb

January 18, 2009

If it wasn't for Ana and Austin Free Net, I and so many others might not even be able to interact with the internet as I'm doing right now. She will forever have our gratitude.


Love, Carl Webb

Rajasvini Bhansali

January 18, 2009

Ana Sisnett, mentor and friend, taught me what it really means to work relentlessly to bridge the digital divide across disciplines, sectors and silos. Ana believed in information as a human right and embodied this through her real and virtual presence. She blogged, organized, created and always, made beauty in all she did. Ana Sisnett, my hero, thank you for helping me craft a more purposeful life.

Sue Soy

January 18, 2009

Ana
The abundance of gifts you have given to us and our community are here to stay. We miss you but have only to look around us to see the places you have left your special touch, Blessings and good tidings to you, my friend.

Fancy Fairchild

January 18, 2009

I worked with Ana at a typesetting business in the 1980s. Even though we didn't know each other well, it was a privilege and joy to be around her. Wishing peace and comfort for those who were close to her--I am thankful she touched my life.

Deborah (aka Fern) Hill

January 17, 2009

Dear Woman of W.A.T.E.R. (Women's Access to Electronic Resources)

Without you, WATER would not have had the internet training component that benefited women from the United States, and abroad. You really understood that electronic devices were the appliances of social revolution for women. I apologize to you that my own pain kept me from moving forward with a documentary on W.A.T.E.R, and your vital contribution to that project. May the work you started be remembered, and continued. Fern

Ana at SXSW 2004.

January 17, 2009

Ana showing her piece at a Madonna-imagery art exhibit on the UT campus.

January 17, 2009

With Ana's inspiration and reference letter, I later became Executive Director of a non-profit supporting schools in Kenya

Rick Juliusson

January 17, 2009

I had the honor (and sometimes challenge - I know she'd agree and laugh her deep beautiful laugh!) of working with Ana at Austin Free-Net from 2001-2003. She taught me as much as I was ready for at that time, and more of her spirit and wisdom continues to seep in over the years.

I first knew of her passing when she came to me in a dream two days later. In this beautiful dream, we were sitting side by side on rocking chairs watching, of all things, Italian soccer on a big screen. Then it turned into a live show where a rich woman went into the house of another woman, who then said to her "You want to act like a poor woman, but I am a poor woman, and I've been with hard men, and look how ugly I am now!" Both women stared to cry, and Ana and I looked at each other realizing we were into something deeper now, a real connection between people, and we too were experiencing that connection. She was not at that moment the older (than me) Ana who had been my mentor and boss at Austin Free-Net. She looked in her late 20's, no eye injury, no gray hair, clear shining skin and shining eyes. I had never realized how beautiful she was, and had never before sat with her as an equal, as a true friend. She told me about a movie about "women's journeys" that she was "feeling a calling" to see.

I have not been in touch with Ana for almost 5 years, but woke up from this dream with a feeling that she had passed away and come to say goodbye. Why she chose to do so for me is far beyond my understanding, but Ana had a way of knowing people's needs, and touching us in ways that maybe takes years to understand. I now understand Ana's beauty and friendship in a way that I will carry with me and share with others. And even though I little understand the dream, I am comforted in knowing that she is still in spirit a strong, healthy, beautiful woman pursuing some other journey that she felt was her calling.

Sharon Bridgforth

January 16, 2009

Ana has been a Blessing/a constant source of support and Inspiration for me...I am Grateful. I wish Ana Light Love Joy Blessings and lots of mangoes on her Journey....

Ana with Sue Beckwith and me.

Sharron Rush

January 16, 2009

Ana was a wise and wild woman. She profoundly influenced so many lives. Everything she took on she embraced with all of her strong will and passionate heart. We will miss her more than we know and more than I can say. Adios amiga mia.

Sharron, Ana and Jayne at SXSW in 2002

January 16, 2009

Veronica Castillo-Perez

January 16, 2009

Adios mi reina preciosa del internet. Your sense of humor will be sorely missed. My condolences to your family and Pricilla. From the cradle of liberty, Veronica Castillo-Perez, Philadelphia, PA.

Trella Laughlin

January 16, 2009

I am so sad losing you and your contribution to the world. You blessed the world with your presence. My love to your partner and to your children. You are an honored hero for me.

Linda Pemberton, RN

January 16, 2009

So sorry to hear about Ana. She was wonderful to talk to and now she is at peace and free of pain.

Forrestt Eubanks

January 16, 2009

Ana was a very loved and compassionate person whose zest for life influenced and touched and changed the lives of others.

Many years ago when I had issues with my own family. Ana really helped me put things in perspective one day while sitting on a swing having a conversation. She was a great listener and her reply to me during that short conversation had a life changing effect on me and I praise her for that! Anyone who knew Ana was touched in one way or another. I am grateful to have personally known and experienced Ana and her love and compassion for the human race and dedication to enlightening and changing the world around her! If more people could find just 1/2 of the love and compassion which emulated from her towards others, this world would be a better place for sure.

After Ana was diagnosed with cancer, she showed once again just how strong she was and fought her disease with vigor and determination to win her fight with cancer just as she faced everyday life. Her impact on society will be missed and there is a huge hole to fill left by her passing. God Speed you Ana!!! You lived your life to lift others up and there is no one who can fill the void left by your passing. Much love to you and your family!!

Rhonda Rhodes

January 16, 2009

Ana,
You fought a long and courageous battle. My heart and my prayers go out to the family. I am saddened by your passing but grateful to had the privilege to know your kind and gentle spirit in this lifetime. You were such an inspiration to countless people. You will be sadly missed. Until we meet again my friend, rest in peace.

Omayra Hunt

January 15, 2009

Ana...you will be missed. "Que Dios te tenga en la Gloria"

James Hadden

January 15, 2009

I'm not sure I met Ana, but I'm honored that she was the recipient of the Susan G. Hadden Telecommunications Award. The Austin Free-net was and is a vital service to the community.

Pam Rogers

January 15, 2009

Ah, Ana. Why did you have to leave so soon?

Mary, Please let me know when the funeral is. I loved your mother so much and have so many memories. We would talk on the phone for hours about our problems. After I came back from New Orleans we saw each other again and talked but it wasn't enough. And this Christmas, the card came back and her cell was disconnected. I knew something wasn't right.

Love,

Pamela Rogers
512-968-6280
[email protected]

Helen G. Caddie-Larcenia

January 15, 2009

I met Ana once during a weekend visit. However,in that brief time, I was moved and inspired through our conversations by her uniqueness, her creativity, her expression through her artwork, books, cards and her encourgement to reach beyond and extend oneself in search ones own full capacities,capabilities and possibilities. My prayers for your safe and adventuresome transition, to Priscilla who loved you and your other family members. Your physical presence will be missed by all who knew you but forever remembered in each heart.

Devan Spence

January 15, 2009

Give flowers to those you love Now for soon they will soon be gone and you are left with an unsatisfied mind

Debra Winegarten

January 15, 2009

Ana, I met you the first day I moved back to Austin, you snatched me from my mom's house and we dashed off to hear you read poetry for your forthcoming cassette tape, back in the day. You made sure I got connected with the "right" people and connected with my heart, all at the same time. You did more for women in Texas with dreds than all the other women put together. And, girl, your illegal haiku, impressive. I'm glad you're not in pain anymore. You have and will continue to have a profound impact on my life. I am blessed to call you friend.

Joyce Protzman, Payne

January 15, 2009

Dear Ana, gentle soul.
It was your beautiful poetry that showed me what a beautiful and special person you are. I'm so sad you are no longer in our lives but you will always be in my heart and memory.
Much love,

Hannah Gourgey

January 15, 2009

Ana,

You were and will always be an inspiration to all of us who want to change this world through love, peace, persistence and hope. You live in every Austinite whose life you helped...including mine.

Cristina Cuevas (formerly of Austin Tx)

January 15, 2009

Ana was a special person in spirit, heart and soul who always had a moment to share with all, a moment to encourage you in exactly what you needed at that time. I remember times she shared with me during 'art days' showing me new techniques and encouraging me to continue with my artwork...also encouraged me in so many ways in life choices...I will miss you very much - we all will...

Shannon Kreiger

January 15, 2009

I had the distinct pleasure to work with File-Net doing intro to web design classes on the eastside a few years ago. I was forever changed by Ana's dedication to her community and to the principle that access to technology and information should be for everybody. I also gained a lot of understanding from her about what it means to be an authentic leader and woman. I was very saddened to hear of her passing. Thank you Ana, for the wonderful lessons you gave me.

Shuronda Robinson

January 15, 2009

I saw Ana recently at the UT African American Culture Center celebration. We embraced as old friends. She is an amazingly gentle and passionate soul. I am so glad to have known her over the past 10 years. She is missed.
Shuronda Robinson

Elizabeth Bedford-Davis

January 15, 2009

Anna(mom)this is one of your other daughters.You are such an amazing person.I speak of you in present tense,because this is still how I see you.Your spirit is so warm and your loving kindness(that you show to others) make us do more,simply due to you giving so much of yourself. You have a smile that can light up a room.You are a teacher in all areas of life.These are some of my thoughts, that will forever be engraved in my heart.My sincere condolences go out to Meredith,Ghamal,Hale and the rest of the family.Austin has lost a Phenomal Lady.

Gisele-Audrey Mills

January 15, 2009

Ana,
I had the honor of holding your hand when you were 'techno-toddler' - with your 2 megs of ram, and so proud of conquering of your fear of deleting files. Vienna, Caracas, Rome, Frankfurt, Limon, San Francisco - TechnoMama went to town with our idea: 'Easier to teach activists how to use technology than to try to get the techies to be political.' Global social networking before it was cool (with your beautiful locks, purple socks and Birkenstocks - on you, never a faux pas, just the faux real deal)

Ana, my sister-friend and wife for life. You will be missed by many, but we will always find you in the rhythm of words, in the light and shadows of visual poetry - in the music we feel in our souls whenever we remember. May Oya grant us the emotional bandwidth...

So much and such powerful love for/with you and your family

Gisele (TechnoMama - DC Branch)

Maricella Infante

January 14, 2009

Deepest Sympathy and condolences.

Linda Eldredge

January 14, 2009

Ana,
Thank you for your amazing poetry, passion, love, joy, humor, beauty, compassion, strength, grace, spirituality, and sense of liberty and justice for all. You brought great light to this world. I'll always remember you and smile.

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