Anne Wendling MacAllister

1923 - 2016

Anne Wendling MacAllister

July 30, 1923 - February 17, 2016

Our beloved mother and grandmother passed away in peace and surrounded by love on February 17, 2016 at Chateau Lake San Marcos.

Anne Ellen was born in Portland, Oregon, on July 30, 1923 - the only child of Elmer and Mildred Wendling. She graduated with honors from Grant High School in 1941, and then boarded the train for Stanford University. She graduated from Stanford in 1945 and was recognized as a Mortar Board honoree for her scholastic, service and leadership achievements. Anne remained a proud alumna for seventy years and gleefully wore her Stanford sweatshirt into her ninth decade.

In December 1945, Anne married Allan John MacAllister - affectionately known by all as "Budge". They would share sixty years together until Budge's passing in 2005. They became a family of five with the births of John, Doug, and Sara. In 1955, the family packed up the station wagon and moved from Oregon to Indio, California, where MacAllister's Shoes was established. Anne worked beside Budge in the shoe store for over twenty years. She served on the Desert Sands Unified School Board, loved her Garden Club and mentored two Cub Scout dens. In 1970, Anne and Budge moved to Palm Desert where she co-founded The Cellar Door resale store at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church. In 1994, they moved to Lake San Marcos to be closer to their children, grandchildren and Junior Golf.

There are no words to do justice to this wonderful woman. She was dignified and gracious, humble and kind. She always showed genuine interest in the people around her, and everyone, in turn, welcomed her into their lives and hearts. She was Mom, Annie, Grandmother and GG to her family - and we are all better people for having her to lead the way.

She is survived by her children: John and Carol (Benton) MacAllister of Rancho Palos Verdes, Doug and Sally (Shelton) MacAllister of Vista, and Sara and Michael Ingalls of Fallbrook, eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. The family is very grateful for the love and care given by the wonderful staff at the Chateau Lake San Marcos Assisted Living Center, and by Dr. Neil Levine of UCSD and his staff. Interment will be private at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.

A celebration of life is planned for the Spring.

"What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we deeply love becomes a part of us." Helen Keller

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: desertsun.com/obituaries