Anna Elizabeth Gaul

ANNA GAUL passed away on November 12, 2017, at her home in Petaluma, CA. Her family was by her side throughout her final months. She was a nine year survivor of breast cancer, but ultimately conceded the battle when she was ready for her next adventure. Although her life was shorter than many, it was fuller than most.

Anna was born on March 13, 1963, to Bill and Nancy Wagoner in Orange, CA. Anna had two sisters, Kathryn and Mary, who were playmates and confidantes as children and adults.

Anna majored in Mathematics at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. It was here, in an unexpectedly romantic math classroom, that she met her best friend and lifelong partner, Matt. After graduation, Anna and Matt married and settled in Petaluma, CA. Their 31 years together were filled with laughter and love, excitement and contentment. Their deep affection for each other was obvious to all who knew them, and their relationship was a testament to the joy that is possible in marriage.

Family was the nucleus of Anna's life. With Matt she raised two children, Chris and Kim, to whom she devoted two lifetimes worth of nurturing, teaching, and jubilance. Anna remained close to her parents and sisters throughout her life, and was also adopted into Matt's family as one of their own. Still having more love to give, Anna helped create two more families in her life, one of college companions and another of neighbors.

Anna shared her passions with all of these people. She loved to travel, whether it be Yosemite, New York City, Argentina, or Italy. She also drew delight from movies, musical theater, and Giants games. And whatever she was doing, she often had a cup of coffee in her hand.

In the end, Anna accepted her mortality with the same grace and dignity that all who knew her are familiar with. We'll remember her quiet sense of humor and broad smile. We'll recall her silliness, optimism, and warmth. And above all, we'll cherish Anna's immense kindness that touched so many people, and is so rare but came so naturally to her.

Anna is survived by her husband Matt, her children Kim and Chris (Courtney), her parents Bill and Nancy Wagoner, her sisters Mary Touros and Kathryn Rothberg and their families, and too many additional family and friends to list.

A celebration of Anna's life will be announced at a later date.