Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Anet James Obituary

Anet James

Sherborn, Massachusetts

Anet C. James, 52, beloved daughter of Fritz James and Rosemarie Kelling, passed away after battling ovarian cancer for more than a year. She died Thursday, September 4, 2014.

Anet is the adored sister of Michael, Ken, Sarah, Annie, Ginny, and Lizzy.

Anet lived in a wonderful old house in Sherborn, MA, with her beloved partner John Mottern, and their two dogs. Anet and John co-owned Gallery 55 in Natick, MA.

Anet was an artist, photographer, and graphic designer. For a decade, she was a skilled hang glider pilot and surfer in California. Anet also lived and taught school in Kenya for 1 1/2 years and spoke fluent Swahili.

She was also a courageous adventurer who was beloved by many friends and family all over the world. She was the rare generous person who loved unconditionally and gave only her best to all those she knew.

Anet was a champion for many causes. She tirelessly encouraged tolerance and equal rights for all people. She supported opportunities and equality for women in all areas, particularly in the arts.

A foundation will be created for women in the arts, sciences, and creativity.

In honor of her memory, if you wish to make a donation please contribute to The Clearity Foundation at http://www.clearityfoundation.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Midland Reporter-Telegram from Sep. 9 to Sep. 14, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Anet James

17 Entries

Chris Kirk

June 16, 2015

I met anet while attending earlham. Two years leter, we shared an apartment in nyc while she worked at the Natural history Museum. i am shocked and saddened to hear of her untimely death, especially b/c she was always the perfect picture of health and took very good care of herself. Anet never judged anyone and cared nothing about money. She was intent upon loving everyone in her path and creating beauty and meaning through her art. Anet is one of a few people i have ever known to live life on her terms. What a lesson for me; for us all. I am truly sorry for her family and intimate friends. I am confident her peaceful spirit walks with you on your journey to acceptance.

Julia Bakeman Toumasis

October 7, 2014

I was with Anet in Kenya, and loved her dearly. Sadly, we lost track of each other over the years. She was a bright light and the world will be a little less without her in it. My condolences to her family.

sermin feride utku

September 13, 2014

I am sure that she showed so much endurance in the face of her illness to preserve her rosy complection. A stout, elegant and gentle woman with the strong will of an activist to follow her artistic, loving, caring, confident and fair spirit.

Chris Sturgil

September 11, 2014

So sorry to hear about Anet...I remember when she was a young girl, working part time in the Summer months, at her dad's business. She was always energetic and had so many plans for the future...sounds like she accomplished much in her young life. Our thoughts are with her family.. sincerely, Chris and Steve Sturgil

September 11, 2014

My warmest sympathies go to all Anet's family, friends and pets, in both the sad loss and magical celebration of Anet's amazing life and friendship. Thanks James for all the great times. Love love love forever. Bowes

Pauline

September 10, 2014

Sweet Anet
As John Lennon aptly wrote:
"The love you take is equal to the love you make". You are dearly loved by so many. So celebrated. So missed. Peace.

Liz Martin Boyle

September 10, 2014

My memories of Anet at George School are flooding back, but my favorite memory is when we both lived in San Francisco at the time of the 1989 earthquake. She pedaled her bicycle across the city to check on me. The phones and power were out. I looked out the window and saw her riding down the hill. A neighbor had a battery operated boom box blasting out an open window. It was playing Carole King's song, "I feel the earth move under me feet. I feel the sky tumbling down, tumbling down, tumbling down." We laughed at that and cried when we learned of all the lives lost and the damage. I feel the same sadness now. I wish comfort to all who knew her and appreciated her.

Fermin Perez

September 10, 2014

I am so sorry for you Anet, not so long ago I was with you and you looked perfect to me. My condolences to Jhon and your family. All my love for you and them wherever you are.

Deborah Norcross

September 10, 2014

Anet is a beautiful soul I admired greatly.

Catherine Brunell

September 10, 2014

I met Anet and John just a year before she was diagnosed. They welcomed me into Gallery 55 and helped me throw a book party for book I published in 2012. The night was amazing and in all of the prep before it, Anet was so proud of me, so excited about my writing and happy in a way that can only illustrate now what a special woman she was.
Reading about her life and the connections she had with all of you, I am only more grateful that I knew her, if even so briefly, and filled with sadness for a life too short. Thank you Anet for living with such joy. I hope you have already made contact with Betty and that you two are sipping tea and looking over a vast ocean of love for you!

Anna Coburn

September 10, 2014

Anet you are still completely and totally Alive in my heart and soul and I admire and respect you like a soldier of life. I feel appropriate writing this online as You were so inspiringly open with social media and expressing yourself , lighting fires of insight and love to all those around you and dancing to the beat of your own gorgeous heart. I love and strive to live like you have.

Elizabeth Weiss

September 9, 2014

I was very lucky to reconnected with Anet after over 30 years from our HS graduation. She was always a delight to be with and had a way of making everyone who knew her feel special. She had a rare and beautiful gift of being herself as well as sharing her spice, humor and spontaneity. She is deeply loved and missed.

Diane Brooks Ring

September 9, 2014

Anet was indeed a rare person and cherished friend. I honor and will continue to keep alive the memory of her many beautiful characteristics and deeds. No one will ever replace the special spot I have for Anet in my heart's hall of fame, and my heart is with all who feel her loss.

Eves Tall Chief

September 9, 2014

I was instrumental in her gaining her Hang Four in Hang Gliding so she could fly in Yosemite,she blazed the test and was a very safe pilot .

Janet Hurley

September 9, 2014

Anet was a rare combination of fearless and unconditionally loving, an artist and adventurer, an entrepreneur and social activist. Her life will serve as a model for all of us that she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed.

James Mottern

September 9, 2014

Always in our hearts, a life well-lived, a sweet soul with an undying love for my brother John; missed for now, but not forgotten, and someday all souls find each other again, my wife and daughters and I send our love to Anet's friends and family and hold John close to our hearts during this time.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results