Dr. Anna K. Chacko, Col U.S. Army (ret). October 1, 1944 - May 12, 2022. Mother. Sister. Grandmother. Wife. Caregiver. Daughter. Friend. Healer. Warrior. Champion for the underdog. Leader. Artist. Chef. Collector of beautiful things. Storyteller. Visionary. Teacher. Author. Dr. Chacko died on May 12th, at 2:00 AM, leaving in her wake an army of friends, family and fans, whose lives she touched in profound ways. Her life started with the drama and action that characterized her. Born with her belly not fully closed, she had to fight to stay alive.

She set medical school records in India that reportedly still stand today. Moving to the U.S., she brought her unique genius to the Army Medical Corps. From chief of Nuclear Medicine in Hawaii, she rose to consultant to the Surgeon General. She served as Chief of Radiology in the largest hospital system in the U.S. Military, where the Virtual Radiology Environment she set up allowed far flung hospitals and clinics to share their digital X-rays and scans. She clearly saw a brighter future, where doctors could better serve their patients at less expense. Her vision inspired some, while others she had to drag across the finish line. Her tenacity, fighting spirit and determination to ensure that her patients were best served ensnared her in many political battles. After she retired from the Army, she took the fight to stamp out corruption to civilian hospitals, and to the VA as well. Big battles fought and won, she returned to her roots in individual patient care, establishing a rewarding solo medical practice, where she was thrilled to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to care for a very underserved population. She is survived by her husband, Howard W. Lollar; her sister; and two sons who gave her three grandchildren - who gave her great joy. But her purest joy, however, came from seeing patients and touching their lives.

It is in keeping with her style that she leaves the world in much the same manner that she entered it - fighting and savoring life. She has set us up well to continue the fight in her name. It is our deepest hope that in death she can lay down her warrior's mantle and find what she rarely did in life: Peace.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be conducted Tuesday, June 7th, at 2:00 PM in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home with Sister MaryJo McDonald SCL officiating. Express condolences at www.wayrynen-richards.com.

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

Published by The Montana Standard from May 20 to Jun. 1, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Anna Chacko

Sponsored by Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home - Butte.

11 Entries

Rebecca Burke

May 14, 2023

Miss you everyday! Wish you were here to see what I have accomplished this year!

Luci Henry

June 5, 2022

My sympathy for your loss. Dr Chacko and I had some wonderful conversations. We always centered our conversations around Jesus. I was blessed by her.

Kuruvilla Chandy

June 4, 2022

Knew Anna aka Shobha when she was in school in Hyderabad. She was headgirl in St George´s Grammar School for girls. It was pleasant surprise to discover that the young man intent on marrying my daughter Elishba was Anna´s son. When she came for the wedding we had a wonderful reunion. There were so many stories to exchange. And after that we kept in touch through emails. We´re going to miss her

Pauletta Lavelle

June 2, 2022

Anna was a very sweet lady, everyone loved her. She will be missed by many. My condolences to her family. Prayers to all

Jack OBrien

June 1, 2022

My sincere heartfelt condolences to Howard and to Anna's sister and her sons. Such a stellar career and source of inspiration to others - for her life of work and dedication - her great mind and talents -- Thank you Dr. Anna Chacko.

Sunvee Rosenleaf

June 1, 2022

So sorry for your loss. It was an honor meeting Anna, a caring, sincere, strong woman.

Victoria Joronen

May 21, 2022

I'm so sorry to hear about Dr Chacko's passing She was always very kind and thoughtful to me. She will be missed. Rest in Peace

Thomas West

May 20, 2022

Dr. Anna was simultaneously the most empathetic and the toughest person I have ever known. She is my daughter´s godmother and namesake. Anna was the rock in my world who helped me through the toughest point in my life and left me even stronger coming out of it than going in. The world is diminished without her presence in it. You are my hero, Dr. Chacko.

Susan

May 20, 2022

Anna,
I will miss you and cherish your memory. I couldn´t have made it without you.
Love,
Susan

makayla ortez

May 20, 2022

Oh my gosh, I am going to miss you soooo much. You gave the best advice, you loved the jewelry I made, especially the diamond heart I made for your daughter, we even shared the same birthday. Rest in peace my dear friend. I love you!

Rebecca Burke

May 20, 2022

I'm very sorry to hear this tragic news.
Dr. Chacko was like a mother to me. My heart is just broken. The world has lost a brilliant mind and soul.
My thoughts go out to her family at this time.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results