Ann Barry Fleenor

In the short time I have known Ann work, she was such an inspiration to me. She brightened the room with her smile and was always available to discuss any issues. When I think of her, it brings a smile to my face. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

I worked with Ann at the Department of Managed Health Care where she tirelessly worked to enforce consumer protections. Her passion will be sorely missed. Ann's office was next to mine, and she greeted me every morning with her beaming smile and wonderful disposition. In the attached photo from last Halloween, Ann is second from the right with other co-workers from her unit. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

The garden will miss Ann, as will I. Her life was a wonderful contribution to this little planet. My condolences to her loved ones.

Ann was always very patient and helpful to me as I ventured into my first community garden experience. She taught me a lot and I will never forget her convincing me that it would be OK to pick Evan's zucchini while I was watching his garden. :) Her love of community gardening will live on in the Fremont Community Garden.

Ann was an interesting and valued member of the Fremont Community Garden in Sacramento, where she was generous with her advice on how to care for roses -- something I'm charged with and but know nothing about. When I work on the rose bushes, I'll be certain to remember her, every time, and try to do her justice.

My sympathy to Ann's family, and my sincere hope that you will each be surrounded by people who say precisely the right thing and give you exactly what you need.

A gardener's perspective - Meeting Ann for the first time, one might think she was all business. Then she would smile and the entire room would light up. She was always fair but firm in working to bring back a community garden to downtown Sacramento. Her commitment and strength made it easier for the rest of us to carry on in the rain, in carrying load after load of dirt, granite and cement blocks.

There were times when it would almost bring her to tears just to get something...