Anne Grunsted (née Penniston)
1970 – December 25, 2025
Anne Grunsted (née Penniston) passed away on December 25, 2025, after a courageous and far too brief battle with peritoneal cancer. She was 55 years old.
Anne was born and raised in the Kansas City area. Her career as a data analyst brought her to Chicago, where she worked for more than a decade. She later became a stay-at-home mom, devoting herself fully to her family. In time, Anne and her family moved to San Diego so their son, Bobby, could access greater educational, social, and vocational opportunities—a decision that reflected her deep love and commitment as a mother.
Anne was a devoted wife, mother, and a tireless advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was also a gifted writer of creative nonfiction, whose honest and compassionate reflections on parenting, disability, and family life were published by The Washington Post, Chicago Parent, Role Reboot, Scary Mommy, and Complex Child. Her subtle, sharp wit could catch you by surprise, turning ordinary experiences into something memorable.
Anne found her greatest joy in simple moments spent with the people she loved. She especially cherished outings with family and friends to Legoland, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo. She will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, loyalty, and the way she showed up—steadfastly and fiercely—for those she loved.
Services will be private.
Those wishing to support Anne’s family directly may contribute here:
https://gofund.me/2e78938b8
In lieu of flowers, donations may also be made in Anne’s memory to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance:
https://tribute.ocrahope.org/annegrunsted
Anne’s love, words, and devotion live on through her family and all whose lives she touched—her wit, subtle and sharp, will keep making us smile.
1970 – December 25, 2025
Anne Grunsted (née Penniston) passed away on December 25, 2025, after a courageous and far too brief battle with peritoneal cancer. She was 55 years old.
Anne was born and raised in the Kansas City area. Her career as a data analyst brought her to Chicago, where she worked for more than a decade. She later became a stay-at-home mom, devoting herself fully to her family. In time, Anne and her family moved to San Diego so their son, Bobby, could access greater educational, social, and vocational opportunities—a decision that reflected her deep love and commitment as a mother.
Anne was a devoted wife, mother, and a tireless advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was also a gifted writer of creative nonfiction, whose honest and compassionate reflections on parenting, disability, and family life were published by The Washington Post, Chicago Parent, Role Reboot, Scary Mommy, and Complex Child. Her subtle, sharp wit could catch you by surprise, turning ordinary experiences into something memorable.
Anne found her greatest joy in simple moments spent with the people she loved. She especially cherished outings with family and friends to Legoland, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo. She will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, loyalty, and the way she showed up—steadfastly and fiercely—for those she loved.
Services will be private.
Those wishing to support Anne’s family directly may contribute here:
https://gofund.me/2e78938b8
In lieu of flowers, donations may also be made in Anne’s memory to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance:
https://tribute.ocrahope.org/annegrunsted
Anne’s love, words, and devotion live on through her family and all whose lives she touched—her wit, subtle and sharp, will keep making us smile.
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