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Anna Lee Branstetter Howe

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Adair Funeral Homes & El Encanto Memorial Crematory - Avalon Chapel

8090 North Northern Avenue

Oro Valley, Arizona

Anna Howe Obituary

Anna Lee Branstetter Howe born February 19, 1943, died September 25, 2007. God you took the BEST! Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona (one of the few Tucson natives). Graduated from Tucson High School in 1960. She loved life more than anything and lived to help others. Annie was a true "Angel". One of the founding members of Youth On Their Own and Project Home, but most of all her dear friends and family came first and will miss her so very much. She is survived by her husband, John Howe, daughter, Leanna Howe Cento (John); son, Joe Howe (Pamela), Deana Bales Smith (Marty), Joye Howe Mallery (Perry), Johnny Howe (Lou). Her grandkids, Robert, Emma, Grayson, Mo, Niki, Justin, Kyle, Keith, and Kevan, and last but not least, Serena "Kiki" and Cruz, who she was so proud of. She was so excited about the two on the way. Also survived by her one remaining brother, Joe Branstetter, who she loved so much. And her oldest and dearest friends, Yvonne Tellez and Judith Florentz Branstetter. Many funny stories can be told by her adoring nieces, Linda Cox Harris, Tami Shaver (Greg), Krysti Jo Kirimaua (Ivan), Staci Edwards (Greg) and nephew, Timmy Cox (Cindy). She was welcomed with open arms in heaven by her parents, Joe Branstetter, Sylvia Abbott; sister, Norma Jean Cox and brother, Bobby Branstetter. God took her without explanation. Anyone who has ever met Annie will agree that she had a larger than life personality and a heart to match. She could make a good time out of the most mundane of projects and always did. She was a lover of life and people (all people) and nothing brought her more joy than swimming and playing with her two babies, Robert and Emma. She was an everyday, hands-on "Grammy". She will be missed greatly by all that she touched in one way or another. God we give you our Angel with unwilling arms, please take care of her. In lieu of flowers, donations to Youth On Their Own (520) 293-1136. Come celebrate her life with family and friends Saturday, September 29, 2007, 1:00 p.m. at Avalon ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, 8090 N. Northern Ave (520) 742-7901.
Published by Arizona Daily Star from Sep. 27 to Sep. 29, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
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Leanna Cento

September 25, 2008

Today is a year that my dear MOM was taken from us. I still can't understand why her, with everything that she does for everyone here on earth and the strong influence she had on people to do things for others. Her work was not done here, we needed her! Robert my son still goes and lays his head by her picture and cries and to know she will never hold Rylee. I told a friend the other day that she was not just my MOM but she was my best friend. She was my first call in the morning, the person who I hung out with all day and the one I called before I put my head on the pillow at night. She was my world and my heart hurt every day for her. God Bless You MOM! I miss you!

tami shaver

September 22, 2008

Well it's been almost a year and I am still missing Annie dearly. I often think of her and how much of an impact she had on my life growing up. She was so much fun and always so loving. Oh what I would give to have one more day with her. On my sad days I still put on the pair of socks she loaned me in Hawaii because they remind me of her. They should have been thrown away a long time ago because of holes but I will always keep them! She had such a way of making people happy. She was such a warm and caring person and I miss her so much. I know she is watching over us all and we will see her again someday.

Paula (Lavoie) Sommers

September 22, 2008

Leanna,
I cant believe it will be a year on Thursday, your mom was such a wonderful person and she has been missed so much!! Every time I walk into your home I expect to see her sitting in her chair, and I can't wait to see what she will say!! She was so generous, she would give you the shirt off her back or just a compliment if that was all you needed!! Her generosity has made me want to do more! I know how hard it is to lose your mom and your best friend, it doesnt get any easier but over the years it the pain becomes bearable. I know she is up in heaven watching over you, having a drink with my parents and laughing at our kids driving us nuts!!

Shane Spencer-Radecki

September 21, 2008

Words can't express my sorrow for all of you. I will treasure the memories forever especially her making pizza english muffin a tradition I still use today now with my kids!

Love,

Shane Spencer-Radecki & Family

Leanna Cento

February 20, 2008

Dear Family and Friends,
Yesterday was my mom's Birthday so we tried to celebrate it the way she would of liked us to. My Three year old Robert (who misses her termendously) planned most of it, we got her favorite cake, made her favorite meal (round steak and mash potatoes) and got a bunch of balloons, wrote messages on them and released them at sunset! It was beautiful and it put a smile on everyones faces. Our hearts hurt every second of the day, the pain will not fade and the quitness in the house is sometimes unbearable but knowing she is watching over us makes it ok. I want to understand why God took her so early! This coming Monday I am having a baby girl, "Rylee Ann" I tried to keep it similar to my mom and I,Anna Lee and Leanna, I hope she approves! I know her heart is hurting knowing she will never be able to hold her, because God know she lived to be with her Grand babies and be the best Grammy ever! I miss her so much and people always say "you'll see her soon", but in reality if I live a healthy life and get to be part of my grandkids lives it will be at least 40 years and that is not soon and far from it. She was so lucky to have friends and family like you. God Bless, Leanna and family.

Cheryl Ice

October 2, 2007

Annie was a heavenly gift to every life she touched with her incredible enthusiasm, love, caring, humor and generosity of spirit. There will never be another who comes close. She was a light of happiness and kept her friends together by establishing a “central clearing house” (herself) of joyful memories and current knowledge about each of our lives, our children, our successes and our losses. She was a real leader who daily added to the welfare of those she touched. Her magnificent life will remain a beacon for all of the children who were fortunate to grow up seeing that, to Annie, every day was an opportunity to make some else’s life better and she practiced daily the ethics she lived by. Until we laugh out loud again sweetest friend… Cheryl Ice

Leanne (Kelley) Schmitt

October 1, 2007

Leanna,
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom.

Kerri Rage

September 28, 2007

Dear Leanna and Family, I am truely sorry for your loss. Your mom was such an incredible woman. I considered her my Aunt Annie too.she was always so welcoming and interested ineveryone's life,which i greatly admired,and hope to emulate!Making people feel special,is the greatest gift to give,and that was her greatest trait! I'm thankful for the many years of fun and encouragement she gave me.She will be dearly missed by all. I will pray for strength and encouragement for you and your entire family. Love, Kerri Rage

Marlene Elias

September 28, 2007

Leanna and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your mother was a truly wonderful woman and will be greatly missed. Yvonne, I lost my best friend five years ago and I Know what you are going through and I am so sorry. I, Bill, Stephanie and Jacob will be keeping all of you in our prayers through this difficult period. May your memories of her life keep with you and comfort you. Love, Marlene

Brett Jeffery

September 27, 2007

To Leanna,Joe& John. This is one of the most heart breaking days of my life".I have lost a friend like no other i have ever known"Annie" i will miss your wonderful voice, the caring way in which you always treated me! although we sometimes didn't talk for years, the love & admiration we had for each other was always there.You are now in heaven with YOUR beloved family, whom i also loved JB Sr,Mom silva, brother Bobby & sister Genie.I love you..rest in peace & be with God! Your dear friend'until we meet again! Love,Brett Jeffery 9/27/2007

Dan Mitchell

September 27, 2007

Leanna,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your mother will be missed by all. Her laugh is something that will never be forgotten.

Chrissie Campbell

September 27, 2007

Leanna,
We are so sorry to hear about your Mom. She had such an impact on all of our lives!! She was such an unselfish,generous,kind,loving woman. She will be greatly missed.
Love,
The Campbell Family

Kate Groh

September 27, 2007

Dear Howe Family & Loved Ones ~~ I loved Anna sooo very much! She always made me smile with her wonderful, fun stories, & contagious, joyful laugh. She was ALWAYS so thoughtful, respectful, & generous of others...what a gift from God she was to everyone.
When she entered a room, everyone KNEW the fun was about to begin! She was a remarkable mother & woman to all. Thankfully...I got to spend many wonderful & special moments growing up with her & Leanna. Anna...I'll miss you dearly. I KNOW your up in Heaven dancing with your angels.
Love ~~ Kate Groh

Judith Koester

September 27, 2007

I am so sorry to learn of Anna's death. I can't help but smile at the sound of her name. What a wonderful laugh! It was contagious. And if that wasn't enough, nobody could throw a post-wedding feast like Anna. My family and I have so many fond memories of her. They all involve her love and compassion. I know you will all miss her so much, and will draw on the many wonderful memories. She has made heaven richer. My prayers are with you all.

Dennis and Peggy Page

September 27, 2007

John and Leanne, Dennis and I are moved tenderly to learn of the loss of your Mom, here on earth. Thank goodness we "do" know that this earthlife is only a tiny part of our existence. We also know how difficult the temporary loss (as we've read about her) of such a wonderful person, mother and grandmother is unexpressable. We hope and pray that your sorrow will be lightened by the knowledge that you will be reunited with her in the future. We love you, and are thinking of you at this time.

Pamela Mitchell-Brunelle

September 27, 2007

Leanna, Joe, Joy, John and the entire family

I am SO SORRY to hear about your mom’s passing. Once I heard the news, my mind kept playing back all the memories that we had together. Like following the fire trucks when they would pass and all the times we got together at the barn down the road. I loved when she would stop in front of Fry’s Leanna and I would jump out to get her a 12 pack of good ole Tab soda, we felt so grown up but were so young. She is an amazing person and would make you smile when you were down in the dumps. You could always count on her to talk too about anything without her passing judgment. My deepest sympathy is with you; my prayers go out to you and the entire family to help you thru this toughest time in your life. If you need anything please call on me, I will help any way you need.

Pamela, Bruno, Brandan, & Brook

Charlotte and Jerry Mitchell

Shane Spencer-Radecki

September 27, 2007

Leanna & Joe,

I am so sorry for your loss. She was incredible. She made everyone feel so special and was very invovled. My heart goes out to you and yours. Words can't even express! She was amazing! I will always remember her. God Bless! Love Always,

Shane Spencer-Radecki and family

Jan Anderson

September 27, 2007

Leanna,
So sorry to read of your mom's death. My thoughts are with you. I always enjoyed her so much.

Norma Montano

September 27, 2007

Leanna & Joe,

My deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your families in the passing of your mother. I remember the good ole days at Mesa Verde and the after school events and sports that we would sit and gossip. She truly was fun person to be around and know. May peace be with you all.
Norma Montano (Renee & Cne's mom)

John & Linda Patrou

September 27, 2007

As everyone, we are in shock of Anna's sudden spiritual transition. Our prayers are with all of you at this painful time of loss. Anna was such a spiritual light for all of us who knew and loved her. All of her family and friends will miss all the good that she was and the love she gave to us. Know that she will always be with all of us. May God lift your sadness and replace it with joy of the love she had for you. Think only of how she would rather see you happy and full of joy of just being together and celebrating life. Let us
celebrate Anna’s spiritual journey and having had the chance to share part of her life as family members or friends. God’s blessings to you all.

Kim Gannon

September 27, 2007

John, Leanna & Joe.
We are so sorry. Annie was the absolute most fun person to be around. She filled a room with her presence and laughter and humor. We will all miss her deeply. Our hearts go out to you now and in the days ahead. The burden of your grief must be huge. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you through this difficult time.
Love,
Kenny, Bobbie, Kenny, Kim and Brianne

Allen Mahany

September 27, 2007

What is it that people remember when they think of Annie? We think anyone who knew her very well would agree with us on this point. It was her sense of humor. She was the kind of person that would make everyone laugh so hard that they’d end up crying. That is a trait that we all will truly miss about Annie. She could make us laugh when we were really down. She always cheered us up when she knew we had a bad day. That’s the hallmark of Annie. She always strived to make people happy.

Annie’s death was sudden. When we heard the news we simply could not believe it. Annie was too young but as it slowly occurred to us we realized that Annie indeed lived her life magnificently. Annie was well loved and she had done so many things on earth and we are sure she’ll do much more in heaven. All the memories we have shared with her will forever be treasured and remembered. Annie will forever live in our hearts.

This is not the time for us to grieve her death but it’s our time to celebrate her life. We won’t ever forget Annie. She never wanted to see people cry. She wanted to make everyone happy. So let’s all think back and remember how Annie touched our lives. How she made us laugh and how good Annie was as a person. This is not the moment for us to shed our tears but we should all be grateful that we were given the chance to have known a woman named Annie.

Annie will forever be missed but I know in the right time, we will meet Annie again. We will all meet Annie again and she’ll make us laugh again.

Respectfully, Chick & Sandy Mahany

Fran & JD Hemphill

September 27, 2007

Our love for Anna was great. I recently talked with her on the telephone and wanted so much to visit her or her visit us. JD's health will not permit me to leave him at this time so my traveling is not possible. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you in these nost difficult times. Give our love to John. Kiki was certainly a joy when my sister and I visited your Mom.

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