Deane Kierson Anselle

ANSELLE , Deane Kierson On December 29, 2010, Deane Kierson Anselle , resident of Mountain View, CA, Deane lived her life on her own terms and died in her home, in the company of her daughter. Most important to her were family, especially her children and grandchildren, friends, music, and dogs. She will be remembered for her love of life, loyalty to friends, her ability to out-talk anyone and for her laughter. Born March 14, 1934, she lived most of her life in Baltimore, MD. Although severe asthma kept her at home through much of her childhood and teen years, she pursued piano with enthusiasm, entering Peabody Conservatory post high school for advanced training. She was an accomplished pianist and was recommended for a career in music but chose otherwise. She married Cenap Kiratli and had two children who became her primary focus, then divorced at a time when it was not a common occurrence. With the support of a close-knit family, she raised her children, meandering through jobs such as administrative assistant at Maryland National Bank, case worker at Job Corps, claims authorizer at Social Security Administration, and teacher of private piano lessons. Wherever she worked, she formed friendships that endured throughout her life. After a second marriage to Stan Potruzski and divorce, she moved to Fort Myers, FL, where she lived by a lake which brought her daily joy as she watched for alligators and other wildlife. Here, she established herself as a piano teacher and began a new life. Diagnosed with lung cancer, she moved to Palo Alto, CA, in 2003 to be near her daughter and her family for the remaining year that expanded into eight. In this fourth phase of her life, she once again taught piano, found new friends, and forged a close relationship with her granddaughter. Never drawn by travel, she nonetheless lived where she chose with favorite spots including Santabel Island, Big Sur, and anything near an ocean; she visited friends and family across the country including Minneapolis, to spend time with her grandsons and enjoyed a cruise to Alaska for her 70th birthday. For most of nearly ten years, she proclaimed herself the "healthiest of cancer sufferers," rarely hindered by the disease. She had a unique style and a quirky sense of humor. She loved to cook, always experimenting with excellent results, entertain and spend time with friends and family. And she loved to talk, with expression, determination, and intensity. Finally, it is impossible to think of her except in the company of dogs, mostly poodles, large, small, in-between, and mixed; she prided herself on their poor training and unique personalities, nearly a dozen over six decades. Deane is survived by her daughter, Jenny Kiratli, of Palo Alto, CA and her husband, Michael Holland; and their daughter, Alicia; and her son, Remzi Kiratli, of Burnsville, MN, and his wife, Kristin; and sons, Kenny and Dylan. She will be dearly remembered and deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to the ASPCA, Humane Society, or Dog Rescue group of your choice. A gathering to celebrate her life and share memories will be held at 1 PM, Saturday, February 5, at the Adobe House, Mountain View, CA. Services provided by Bay Area Cremation & Funeral Services, 1-800-916-4888.