Our Anne

 

Anne M. Kent, M.D.

September 25, 1958 - November 22, 2022

Anne Kent, 64, passed away at her Newport Beach home surrounded by her beloved family. During Anne’s final years, she lived with ALS.

Anne is survived by her husband of 38 years, Robert; children Tyler (Andrea), Ryan (Kristin), and Victoria (Joshua) Samuels; grandchildren Hudson, Calvin, Luke, and Iris Anne; and her 7 siblings, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends, dear colleagues, and patients. Her parents, James and Patricia Murphy, preceded her in death. 

Born in San Jose, California, on September 25, 1958, Anne was the oldest daughter of 8 siblings. She attended Presentation High School, but determined to be a doctor like her dad, she took specialized science classes at the all-boys’ high school across town. As an undergraduate at UCLA, Anne met her love, and life partner, Rob. In 1980, she graduated magna cum laude and went on to medical school at UC Davis where she was selected as a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Anne completed her OB/GYN residency at UCI, and in her final year she served as chief resident.

Anne moved into private practice at Doctor’s Office for Women, which grew into a prominent practice focused on women’s health in Orange County. Over the decades, Anne delivered over 10,000 babies at Hoag hospital and ended her career as president of Pacific Women’s Healthcare Associates. Her passion for women’s health lives on at Hoag hospital with the “Jeffrey M. Carlton Endowed Chair in Women’s Health, in honor of Dr. Anne Kent.” She received a Courage Award from Augie’s Quest, a foundation seeking a cure for ALS. Anne loved her life as a physician, especially her cherished colleagues and patients at Hoag. 

During medical school, Anne made time to ski the slopes around Lake Tahoe with Rob. Those weekend trips cultivated her passion for mountains and downhill skiing with her family. Anne became an accomplished hiker taking on mountains like Mt. Whitney and Mt. Rainier. She enjoyed planning for holidays and extravagant birthday celebrations. Anne loved Thanksgiving reunions with her 7 siblings and their families. For over 30 summers she enjoyed being with family and friends at Webb Lake in Weld, Maine. Waterskiing and paddleboarding became passions. Throughout her life in Newport Beach, she enjoyed biking with friends and family, attending the kids’ sporting events, and going to the beach. An avid reader, she also enjoyed music, especially country. 

Anne is remembered for her love and devotion to family and friends, and her affection for Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church. In the last year of her life, Anne’s eyes lit up at the sight of her grandchildren’s smiles.

A service celebrating Anne’s life will be held at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach on December 6th at 11am. For those who wish, donations in Anne’s memory may be made to Hoag Hospital Foundation or to Augie’s Quest.

Endowed Chair Ceremony

Don't be taking that picture, Uncle Richie

Anne's last sunset at Weld

Anne

Anne and son Ryan for a final swim.  

Here and there

Height of Land, Rangeley ME 

Last week, we took a road trip up to the Height of Land and also hiked Mystery Mountain (plus) and Black Mountain.   

Black Mountain Loop-- Up Black/White Trail and Down the Slopes

 

Click on photos to enlarge.

The weather changed drastically today. It's about 45 degrees as compared to the 3 previous days in the 70s. With the chilly temps, it's easier to hike steep trails. Well, it should be easier. I was pooped. 

The Black/White Trail from the parking lot of Black Mountain Ski Resort is gentle up for the first third of a mile and then, bam... up up up. 

"No treats!"

Among my favorite pictures of Bailey as an old guy. 

Yesterday, Bailey had a liver enzyme blood test. The results revealed that his numbers have elevated over the past month. He's now on two drugs and can have no treats. That's right: No Treats! Last night after dinner he stared at me like, "What in the world is going on? Get my bones!" Today, he howled for his 10am carrots and moped around for his bones, but he seemed to have given in by the afternoon. We'll see what happens after dinner tonight. 

I've thought about my end-of-life decisions with Bailey since he was a puppy. Now that he's an old dog, the choice is a little simpler. He's 12.5 years old. If he's got liver cancer, I can't imagine putting him on chemotherapy. But, I'll wait and see how he does over this month. Today, beside his groaning for his treats, he had a good day. We took a few walks... he had good, firm poops and seemed upbeat and involved during his walk. The previous two days we've hiked, and he did well on those, too. 

On Sunday, we climbed Mystery Mountain to the summit. On Monday, we hiked around the cross-country ski trail at Black Mountain, and that too was fine, though he did roll in animal poop. Such is life. 

So, we'll continue the days and hike when we can hike, and walk when that seems like the best decision. We'll head back to the veterinarian's around December 1st to see how the numbers are. 

Meanwhile, we'll do what we do. 

Mystery's summit

November woods

White Mountains

Two old guys

Map of Mystery +

AllTrails