A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Anne Glasscock Branch, 77, passed away peacefully in Escondido on June 20 surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband, Tom. She was so proud of their 48-year marriage and the tender way he cared for her as she faced myriad health issues during the last 20 years. Among her favorite books were her wedding album and the Bible. She is also survived by her sons, Allen, 46, and Eric, 41; grandchildren, Ellie, 10, and Kate, 6; and sisters Elizabeth Dennison and Shirley Unger. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Rector and Clara Mae Glasscock and her sist r, Margarite.
Anne grew up in Pecos, Texas, where people were first drawn to her magnetic personality. As a senior at Pecos High, she was head cheerleader, class secretary, assistant editor of the school paper and Class Beauty. In her yearbook, though, her fellow students didn’t comment on her looks or popularity. Instead, they noted her kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity, the qualities that defined her. At TCU, she was a Senior Class Favorite and studied for a career in education. During her teaching career, she used her talents to educate everyone from elementary school students in La Jolla to brig prisoners on a Navy base in the Philippines. At the Evans School in La Jolla, she was honored by the creation of the annual Anne G. Branch Drama Award.
In Santa Barbara, where she lived from 1984-2000, Anne was active in the community. She was president of the parents auxiliary and on the board of trustees at Laguna Blanca School and later was on the executive board of the Santa Barbara High PTSA. She served on the boards of the Newcomers and Symphony League and was a docent at the Santa Barbara Historical Society. At First Christian Church, she was president of the Christian Women’s Fellowship. In a nod to her culinary skills, she was the Santa Barbara News-Press’ Cook of the Week.
Anne remained active and influential despite battling chronic pain much of her life. In all, she had 33 surgeries and faced her physical struggles with courage, resilience and grace. During her many hospital visits, including her final one, her nurses and doctors never failed to note her radiant smile.
We are heartbroken, but find solace in knowing she is with the Lord and no longer suffering.
Anne’s funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 29, at The Village Church in Rancho Santa Fe. A reception will follow. A private burial will be held at Miramar National Cemetery.
