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Share your story of Anne

Share your story of Anne

Dear friends of Anne,

Many of you know Anne through her years as a teacher, librarian, or star mentor. Some know her as a neighbor, roommate, or friend. She has touched countless lives. I would love for you to share a memory of Anne. It could be a story of how you met, a moment that stands out, something that made you laugh, or what makes her special to you. No memory is too small or simple.

Please share your story in the comments for this blog post, and include your name so we can know who you are. I will read your comments to Anne.

Thank you for helping us celebrate Anne’s impact on so many lives.

[Note about the blog. When you receive a new post in e-mail, it may not include the related photo. Click the title of the post or the “Read on blog” link to see the post as intended. That is where you can read any comments that are left as well.]

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55 responses to “Share your story of Anne”

  1. A.J. Benaltabe Avatar
    A.J. Benaltabe

    Hi Brent, Kate and Anne. Brent, I worked at Bryant for 6 years (2012-2018) as a 4th and 5th grade teacher. Before that I volunteered at Bryant for 2 years. I’ve met you a couple of times. Kate knows me as she always used to deliver books to my classroom and I’d give her some sort of toy/prize.

    Anyways, I met Anne when I first started volunteering at Bryant in like 2010. I attended a staff meeting as a volunteer to get to know the school/staff. Anne was leading part of it and cracked a joke and immediately laughed at her own joke with that classic Anne laugh and smile. Over the years I got to know her as a colleague and friend. It’s probably no surprise that many of my memories of Anne are about her incredible sense of humor. She is so quick and witty and I feel like she could have had a career in Hollywood writing. But, to Seattle’s good fortune she blessed us with her skills. Aside from her humor, I saw her help teacher colleagues and, of course, students many times. Her work on the SEA was fantastic and always made an impact on me. After I left Bryant she called me a couple months later because she met someone at a party who mentioned they were looking for an educator at the UW and Anne thought I’d be perfect for it. That led to me getting a job and starting a new career.

    As everyone is, I am wishing you all the strength, comfort and peace in this time. I am thinking of Anne and you all daily. It is no exaggeration when I say she was the best of us.

    Much love, A.J. Benaltabe…Mr. Benaltabe to Kate 🙂

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  2. Patricia Parker Avatar
    Patricia Parker

    I’m trying to remember how Anne and I met. I know it has to be through Bryant elementary and it would’ve started as me being a parent. However, that relationship changed when Anne encouraged me to consider doing something different for Bryant elementary with my computer skill set. I’ve been working as a parent volunteer helping with the after-school program software program and Anne had an idea. She told me about this program another school had of computer classes for students run by a parent. She put me in contact with the person and I went full force in collaborating and figuring out a computer program for Bryant elementary school. 

    With Anne being my confidante, listener and advisor, I was able to  create a special program for Bryant elementary that ended up being adopted by the PTSA and the school and that really was all because of Anne. 

    This is only one example of her generosity, thoughtfulness, and willingness to assist and help others. Amazing and creative things come from conversations with Anne.

    Since then, she’s been a dear friend and our families travelled together on several trips since my family moved to the UK. A couple of years ago we went and stayed with Anne, Brent, and Kate and had an amazing time back in Seattle and Sunriver. I always love her sincerity, funny wit, and compassion to everyone around her. 

    We would have great conversations just walking and talking and enjoying each other’s company. I remember when we were in Sun River we noticed a mama deer and her fawn outside the window and just how much we just loved the beauty of that moment.

    Patricia Parker

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  3. Mary E. Bannister Avatar
    Mary E. Bannister

    Oh, the sound of Anne’s laughter!

    Anne was a chief instigator of the merriment of the Merry Mentors. We met together as 4 corners of a team of Literacy Mentors in an old classroom at the Lincoln Building in SPS. Wherever Anne was, it is the sound of her laughter that I recall.

    We also shared the joy and passion for multiple literacies in our work as teacher-librarians. When the Merry Mentors went to lunch this May, she was so excited to tell me about the library project she was currently working on to benefit the SPS Librarians and her students. Anne’s joy in the work was palpable.

    Anne shared anecdotes of Brent and Kate’s accomplishments and activities. Much laughter sharing the joys of her family life.

    It is my fervent prayer, that we all get to experience the sweet sound of Anne’s laughter in the near future.

    Sending love to Anne, Brent, Kate and all of Anne’s many friends..

    Mary Bannister

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  4. Amy Young Avatar
    Amy Young

    I don’t remember exactly when I first met Anne. She was already a star mentor when I started at McClure, and the stories I heard about her were honestly a little intimidating. I think it might have been the summer we signed up for the UW Writers in the Schools program when I first saw just how remarkable she truly was.

    Anne was always the first to share, the first to make everyone laugh, and the first to laugh at herself. I remember her biking in, talking about meeting up with Brent afterward. Her ability to be vulnerable was deeply inspiring.

    I have so many memories of her—recording for KUOW at Bryant Corner Cafe, sitting in a hot tub in Yakima talking about Kate, laughing as we practiced drama friezes during the summer program at Seattle Center. I used to run into her at Cafe Javasti on her morning coffee runs, always in motion, always smiling. One time we bumped into each other at Met Market—both of us wearing the exact same Boden dress!

    Anne is the best of all of us. I’m sending all my love and hugs her way.
    -Amy Young

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  5. patjan377 Avatar
    patjan377

    I am retired and live near Bryant school. I have volunteered at the Bryant library for three years and it has been an absolute blessing to get to know Anne. She is funny, passionate and compassionate — such a bright light! She’s shared recipes and movie recommendations. I was really missing her this summer and couldn’t wait to hear how the trip to Switzerland went (our son lives there).

    Thank you for sharing your memories. Although I haven’t met you or Kate, I feel like I do know you both from Anne’s stories.

    Showering you all in prayer –

    -Pat Janssen

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  6. Trevor Pronga Avatar
    Trevor Pronga

    My story with Anne began over 30 years ago in Seattle when we started our fancy new “call in the red!” customer service jobs at AEI Music Network on Capitol Hill.   Anne sat directly across from me and her Cali charm, quick wit, intellect, and twisted sense of humor made us fast friends.   Within days, we became coffee buddies during our breaks.   It wasn’t long before our love of pop culture turned into a loving, laughing dialect of quotes from movies like Carrie, Jaws, Deliverance, The Exorcist, Fast Times, the Jerk to name a few.  At this point, Anne named me “Trev Trev” and it stuck. 

    Like so many others, Anne empowered and encouraged me  from the start.  In my case, it was to pursue a coveted music supervision role in the company.  It was a dream job to me, but one I thought I would never attain.  Despite my naysaying and lack of confidence, Anne demanded I submit my resume to her within a few days so she could review it and make helpful suggestions.  They all worked and it changed the course of my life in a new career.   Thanks, Anne;) 

    Beyond the needed career push, Anne helped teach me the meaning of unconditional friendship:  We shared so many fun or outrageous adventures, and there was nothing I couldn’t tell her!  

    When I left the northwest, we stayed in touch less frequently but caught up so quickly, deeply, and easily.  Like no time had ever lapsed.  

    An eternal friend.  

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  7. litleg Avatar
    litleg

    My favorite memory with Anne was on a double date. I had never been to El Goucho and Anne and Brent knew the ropes. We got all dressed up and went together. We did the whole nine yards with cocktails, table side service and of course steak! It’s a night I’ll never forget. Anne so full of life and glowing brightly!

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  8. generous93b38d6173 Avatar
    generous93b38d6173

    I think the first time I met Anne was when Anna was born. I remember she came over with Brent to meet her. We knew she was special. She became Auntie Anne right away. My favorite memory is watching Brent and Anne dance with Anna in our living room. And her puns. I wish I could recall the best ones but she was so good at it, so quick-witted, and there were many! I will always admire that in her.

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  9. Michelle Birdsall (Ireton) Avatar
    Michelle Birdsall (Ireton)

    I don’t have a specific story about Anne – I got to know her at Bryant, she let me sit in the room in the library while I filled out the PTSA paperwork for the Bryant Scrip cards before dropping them in the safe. That was added to my Benny and your Kate being in the same grade and the same classroom a few times, over the years.
    We were both chaperones on the ill fated Eckstein Orkila trip – the one that was cancelled due to wildfire smoke. We were assigned to the same bus, which was a relief to me, as she was the only one I knew to text when I couldn’t figure out which bus to get my cabin on to, after the ferry ride back.
    I have gotten to know her better over recent years, as we often spend Tuesday evenings at Trivia Night at Burke Gilman Brewery. Anne is the sweetest, kindest person, with great movie recommendations and trivia knowledge. Not to mention book trivia.

    Sending so much love to Anne, Brent and Kate.

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  10. eshafkind Avatar
    eshafkind

    I think it was 2003 – we were colleagues at Eckstein Middle School. Anne needed a buddy to apply to the Puget Sound Writer’s Project at the University of Washington. PSWP is a month long summer program for teachers who are also writers. Each day we’d write in the morning, a teacher would share a lesson and we’d learn together. We wrote, we read, we learned and we laughed a lot. I think I’m remembering the year correctly and I think it must have been Anne’s idea. I didn’t see myself as a writer, an artist yes, but saying I was a writer – way beyond my sense of self twenty plus years ago. Anne believed in me. It was hands down one of the most amazing summers with Anne. She has this way of bringing brightness, she was a rock of learning and rigor, and genuine curiosity. In 2006 my across the hall educator (Anne B) moved to NYC and Anne A took her classroom and position in the 6th grade Language Arts Dept. I love my Anne’s! Anne A and I applied for jobs at new schools in 2010. Shopping for interview outfits together, practicing mock interview questions we were giddy envisioning our future jobs, hers at Bryant Elementary and mine at Hale High School. We said no matter what, if one of us didn’t get the job we’d support each other. We both left Eckstein the summer of 2010 so excited for our futures – and super sad to not be across the hall neighbors. The across the hall educator, with someone like Anne A, was profound, life changing. Her joy, humor, savvy, keenness in knowing where and how to spend energy, dang – what a human!!!!

    xoxo
    erin

    “All that you touch You Change. All that you Change Changes you. ― Octavia E. Butler

    “So many of us believe in perfection, which ruins everything else, because the perfect is not only the enemy of the good; it’s also the enemy of the realistic, the possible, and the fun.” -Rebecca Solnit

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    1. tacomagical3c9bceb2bd Avatar
      tacomagical3c9bceb2bd

      Two amazing quotes! Thank you 🙏🏼

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  11. Jessica Levine Avatar
    Jessica Levine

    I met Anne when I started work with the 6th grade team at Eckstein in the spring of 2005. In her time there we were colleagues, and when she was pregnant with Kate, I remember joining her and Brent at Erin’s yellow photo at Sears. That’s the first visual that came to mind when Erin called me. Then, I had the honor of being Kate’s science teacher, online in the crazy pandemic remote teaching year. So I could get to know the cat, and get a wave of support from Anne and Brent every now and then. She has always been a cheerleader of reading, learning, and of course, Kate. I’m cheering for you now, Anne.

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  12. tacomagical3c9bceb2bd Avatar
    tacomagical3c9bceb2bd

    This comment section is so sensitive, I’m sorry for sending my earlier incomplete comments.

    Since I know that by now you know who I am, Lol

    My first memory of you dear friend was when you were about 13, you were friends with my sister Adair, I was so much older, an adult of about 19. Hahaha. You were laughing together and it was infectious, I had to join in and I didn’t know what was so funny 😂 I was always so happy you were my sister’s friend.

    Then, as years and life passed we were both back in Riverside, with our mom’s and my sister had had a series of mental health challenges. You shed so much light on some aspects of her life we knew nothing about. It helped us understand so much more and it helped us to heal. We are eternally thankful to you.
    You are such a caring champion of people!

    Later, when you asked me to be the officiant of yours and Brent’s wedding, I was over-the-moon honored. Without any experience I said “yes,” You had so much faith in me. I feel now more of a family connection with you, Brent and Kate through our years of friendship. I even married a man who has the same last name as your maiden name of “Scott”. Now you have two sisters who are, Lisa Scott’s. Haha. I have so many more memories. I keep replaying our last phone conversation from a couple of weeks ago.

    Now this, it seems so unreal… I WISH THAT IT WAS! It’s ripped of a piece of my heart and we, Corey and I are so very sad. We are also very hopeful and praying for you and for Brent and Kate. We love all of you and will be there praying and doing everything we can do to support you.

    With the utmost love and gratitude for our wonderful friends.

    Lisa and Corey Scott 💗

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  13. Monica Geer Avatar
    Monica Geer

    It all started with a surprising Craigslist ad: ‘Family looks for a stay-at-home mom to watch their child.’ 

    My friend, who lived in West Seattle and was also a Stay-at-home mom, sent me an e-mail about a family in the Maple Leaf area looking for someone to watch their child, and she told me it seemed like a good opportunity for me and for my daughter to have a little playmate.

    That is how I met Anne, Brent, and Kate; they came to my house, and we hit it off. Chloe was born on Halloween, and Kate was born on Christmas Day. After a year and a half, I got pregnant with my second child and couldn’t watch Kate anymore. Kate went to a TCC, a daycare in Sand Point. A while after, I was thinking about going back to work, and Anne suggested that I should work at TCC. 

    Anne, she saw the potential in me when I couldn’t see it. Her belief in me led me to where I am today, working for the Seattle School District. I’m forever grateful to her. 

    But not only that, Anne is a friend; she always had the girls over for a sleepover, even when Leah was in her terrible threes. 

    Chloe and Kate’s friendship, born from a Craigslist ad, has stood the test of time. Their bond is a testament to the enduring power of community connections. The last time I talked to Anne, we discussed a future get-together after their trip to Italy. 

    Anne is a fantastic friend, I can’t believe that responding her ad on Craigslist would change my life and I’m thankful for her, Brent and Kate. 

    With Love, 

    The Geer family. 

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  14. speedily3508e15f28 Avatar
    speedily3508e15f28

    I remember Anne from our Star Mentor days – that smile, her quick wit, and the kind of positive outlook that could brighten even the most frustrating day.

    We used to rotate homes for our coaching meetings, and one time we met at your beautiful place on 92nd Street (pre-Kate era). I still remember being deeply envious of that impeccably designed stove Anne had requested.

    Actually, I was a little envious of pretty much everything about your home. It had the kind of calm, stylish vibe where peace lived in every detail.

    Anne did share the story about “Dick”—though not in nearly as much detail as you. It’s the kind of story that captures the essence of her- funny, soulful, and told with that mischievous glimmer in her eye.

    It’s strange how you can go years without seeing someone, and yet every time you think of them, it’s with a smile. That’s Anne – the kind of soul who quietly leaves a little beauty in everyone she meets.

    I know your days have been upended in the hardest way, and I can’t imagine how heavy that feels. But I hope, even in the midst of this journey, you’re finding moments of light, small comforts, and hope…one day at a time.

    Tonie Talbert Euerle

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  15. Ginny Allemann Avatar
    Ginny Allemann

    Anne has been a colleague and friend for a long time. The timeline is a bit foggy, but I remember getting to know her better in our NE SPS librarians meetings back in the early teens… Anne is a pro through and through – and I remember how she was so good at steering our meetings to be more efficient and useful to everyone. 

    In around 2016 she urged me to join her and Deb on the difficult and sometimes arcane process of achieving our National Board Certification. Her thinking and planning, her fine mind, her feedback helped me immeasurably. She inspired me to do the work to achieve. We bonded over our shared loathing of Pearson, and our shared love of cats. I always enjoyed working at her and Brent’s beautiful house to get a little “cat fix” and a glass of wine to get the creative juices flowing. It was fun for our Kate and my daughter to get to know each other too.

    Anne’s quick wit, humor, kindness, and encouragement have been mentioned by many. I treasure her and look forward to being with her again soon. I always love getting together with Anne– there’s an excitement because you really want to hear what she has to say — smart and funny and thoughtful. You have to be on your toes to get all the references and jokes! She’s a fantastic person and I’m sending good energy with all I have. 

    Ginny Allemann

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  16. Madison Phares Avatar
    Madison Phares

    I did a directed fieldwork with Anne at Bryant this winter. Initially, I had an interest in working as a public children’s librarian but wasn’t 100% sure what career path I wanted to take. I figured I’d take advantage of UW’s partnership with SPS to at least get some experience with kids in a library setting. I didn’t realize, however, that working under Anne would make me fall in love with elementary education in general. She’s an amazing person and librarian, who instills so much passion and talent and love into everything she does. I was always in awe watching her work and felt so lucky to have been placed with her– to have, by sheer fate, been given such a wonderful mentor.

    She was encouraging and always gave me such wonderful advice and reassurance– right down to the day before her accident, she was helping me get started as a paraeducator. She is generous, brilliant, and kind– that spilled out to both the adults she works with, like me, and the children who learn to love stories through her presence.

    I can’t believe this is happening, it’s so unfair and horrible. I’ve been thinking about Anne every day and holding so much hope and pleas to the universe. I’m so, so sorry, Brent and Kate– know that even in the brief time I got to work with her, I heard so much about both of you because she always talked about you both with so much love and pride. Thank you for keeping us updated with this blog– a lot of people care about Anne and you. I can feel a lot of love spilling out from so many corners, and I know the universe hears it.

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  17. ecstatice331e4b4dc Avatar
    ecstatice331e4b4dc

    I met Anne at Bryant many years ago when my now college bound child was a student there. 

    I was a regular volunteer at the school when I discovered the golden opportunity of helping Anne in the library. Every week I would listen to her lessons for each grade and marvel at how amazing she was with those kids wishing I had a librarian like her when I was in elementary school.  She made lessons and book talks engaging and fun and infused humor daily. 

    A favorite recurring joke she makes before summer break is requesting all books be returned to the library because “they had to lick the covers clean for next year.”  The pause and expression of disgust on students faces before saying,“Just Kidding!” makes me laugh every time. 

    After being away for several years, I recently returned to help Anne in the library. It felt as if no time had passed, and it brought me so much joy to reconnect with her and support her once again. Anne brings so much warmth and light to our community. I truly hope we can now reflect that same light back to her for healing.

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  18. Chara Johnson Avatar
    Chara Johnson

    It is Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Anne arrived at my house at 10:00am in her walking shoes (and hat) with a smile on her face and her Seattle Public Schools laptop in her bag. Our plan was to work on Bryant’s TRI Day presentation, a Canva slideshow for teachers to kick off to the 2025-2026 school year.

    Since we were waiting to eat breakfast together, we dove into yogurt, berries, scones, and coffee. Anne, having just returned from Europe, seemed so relaxed, upbeat, and happy.

    After breakfast, we sat shoulder to shoulder on my deck sofa and talked about how the first day should feel for staff. She knew coming back after summer could be hard for some teachers and wanted everyone to feel welcomed and supported. She giggled about the memes she would include in the presentation. Anne’s humor was and is a gift to the Bryant community. I have watched how her witty comments could bring levity to a tough moment in a long staff meeting. I knew Anne would infuse just the right humor into this presentation, and I was excited to see the final product.

    During our planning meeting, Anne and I talked a lot about starting the year with a discussion about purpose. We envisioned teachers sharing artifacts with each other in small groups, explaining why they had become educators. And we wanted to launch a new discussion exploring the mission of our school. Why does Bryant exist? What is our purpose?
    Towards the end of our 2 hour-work session, Anne reached out and patted my shoulder several times. A minute later, she did it again. It surprised me a little but felt so good. It was as if Anne was saying, “Job well done.” It even felt like she might have been saying, “We got this.” And deeper than that, I think she was saying, “I believe in you.”

    Anne’s greatest gift to me, in addition to her humor and ability to keep things light, has been affirming who I am as an educator. For that I am forever grateful. I love you, Anne.

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  19. Julia Schumacher Avatar
    Julia Schumacher

    I met Anne in the fall of 2004 when I joined the STAR mentor team. She was immediately helpful and welcoming as I began a role that she had already had for a year. I remember the weekend Anne and Brent got engaged and seeing the tiny book that Anne brought in to show us all. I also remember attending their lovely wedding the following summer. Anne and I were among the younger STAR mentors. We used to have these monthly mentor work sessions called mentoring mentors where we tried new strategies and practiced dialogues that we needed to have with our mentees. The bulk of the group was menopausal age (and believe me, I get it now), so at these meetings they were warm and lightly dressed. Conversely, Anne and I would end up in some corner buried under blankets we had to request from the host, trying to have these conversations while our teeth chattered. We usually ended up in hysterical laughter, which served another great mentoring goal of stress reduction. Anne and I continued our friendship, stepping out for Thai on 15th on Capital Hill and then, wonderfully, we again ended up on the same professional path as elementary librarians in northeast Seattle. I love and appreciate Anne for so many things, but she threw herself to the lions for us by representing librarians during a challenging contract negotiation. That was a huge thing she did and while I won’t say she “never complained”, I can say she was devoted to helping us. I could go on for pages about all Anne has done but most of all, she was a wonderful friend, always with a joke and smile anytime we connected. 💛

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  20. Marni Asplund Campbell Avatar
    Marni Asplund Campbell

    I hired Anne to teach at Eckstein Middle School and it was one of my best decisions. Not only was she a powerful teacher and wonderful colleague, she actually taught my youngest child! Through the years Anne has been a beacon of brilliance and complete commitment. My heart is with her and her family.

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  21. marywellehan Avatar
    marywellehan

    Dear Beautiful Anne, I was just telling someone this story last week. The time you took me shopping. I had just met a potential adoption match and the baby was coming in a few days. I was not prepared and had no baby gear. You took time off from work and we went to Babies R Us. Kate was just a year old and you knew what was essential and guided me with tips, advice and encouragement. I was a nervous wreck and you in your very Anne way said, nah, you’ve got this. It wasn’t a shopping trip, it was a very clear act of love, friendship, support and encouragement. This is who you are Anne and I’m so grateful for you.

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  22. ldodds Avatar
    ldodds

    As a retired school librarian, I always look forward to volunteering in Anne’s library at Bryant. She has an outstanding library media program, and the students and staff are so lucky to be a part of it and be enriched by her wisdom. She understands what the children like to read. Her selections offer a wide array of books for a wide array of students’ interests. I’ve observed her teaching many lessons. She has so many tricks up her sleeve!

    In addition, Anne has such a heart for kids. She makes sure that the library is a welcoming and safe space for everyone.

    Anne and I enjoyed many conversations about all things school library, as well as topics ranging from yoga to condo-owning conundrums.

    Our family was surprised and happy to learn that Anne and family had visited the same small town in Switzerland that we did this summer- within days of each other! ~Liz Dodds

    Sent from Gmail Mobile

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  23. Jean Bolivar Avatar
    Jean Bolivar

    I must have met Anne while working in Seattle as a librarian in 2013-2019, but she seems like someone I’ve always known. Starting in 2016 I met monthly with Anne and the other NE librarians. What an amazing group of smart loving people and Anne shone- her warmth, wit, and focus made those meetings worthwhile. I would always stay late chatting with her and others. Anne and I connected a bit outside of those meetings. We were able to walk Green Lake together with plans to walk again. I wish we walked more.

    Thank you for sharing the details of your life with Anne. The story of how you met captures her perfectly. And how I love how such a beautiful woman chose to not post a picture on Match and ran with quirky move quotations. Those few sentences capture so much of her personality. I’m rooting for Anne- sending love and healing thoughts to her and those supporting her.

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  24. dreamilygeneral8b6fa1f5aa Avatar
    dreamilygeneral8b6fa1f5aa

    From: Jane Dudley

    I have been writing my story about dear Anne inside my head for a few days.  I am inspired by what I have read from others, and Brent, I am so impressed and touched by your writing style and your entertaining and beautiful portrayals about your love story with Anne. 

    I met Anne in the spring of 2002, shortly after I had moved to a condo in Belltown, Seattle.  I was not a city girl, having grown up in Bremerton, graduating from WWU, and having taught 3rd grade, with a few special ed years in the mix, in the Central Kitsap district.  I had been divorced and single for about 14 years, and when my daughter went off to college in California, and my father passed away after I had cared for him for a few years, I made the bold move to the big city of Seattle, and started applying for jobs.  As mentioned by others, I was lucky to land a Literacy Mentor position along with Anne, Mary Bannister and Mary Bell. We quickly became the Merry Mentors!  We’ve kept in touch over the years, getting together at least once or twice a year.  For a few of those years, we would meet at a restaurant in Southcenter, since two of us had retired and moved away from Seattle, and it was a central location.  Anne used to bring Kate with her, and Kate would go shopping in the Mall while we had lunch.  I always looked forward to seeing Kate each time and marveling at how fast she was growing up, and how beautiful she is. 

    I was extremely lucky, after the Literacy Mentor grant ended, to be able to work from 2003-2006 as a STAR Mentor, and once again work on a team with Anne and to meet her dear friend Ryan.  There were several others on our STAR team that I am still good friends with.  It was a good gig. 

    And now, I think I am going to change subjects to another memorable focus for my story. Anne and I were married in the same year!  2005.  February for me, a second marriage for me to my sweet Art; and June for Anne and Brent.  Anne and Brent were at our wedding, and I remember Anne standing up at our reception while the microphone was going around, and making a sweet and funny toast to us.  I truly wish our videographer had captured that moment, so that I could recall the words, but I do remember laughter from Anne and then from the crowd who took a moment to catch the joke, a familiar theme in all the stories about Anne!   I also remember that Anne and Brent enjoyed the music and dancing at our wedding reception.   Later that year, in June of 2005, we were so pleased to be at Anne and Brent’s beautiful wedding.  Anne was stunning and Brent was handsome and glowing with the excitement of their special day.  Anne is one of a kind in so many ways.  I’m hanging on to hope that we will hear her contagious laugh again.    

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  25. bellmc8de8102104 Avatar
    bellmc8de8102104

    I met Anne when the Merry Mentors (Anne, Jane Dudley, Mary Bannister and me) were hired as Literacy Mentors for Seattle Schools in the early 2000s. We are still good friends and love to meet often for lunch or dinner.

    We had so much fun collaborating together in the old Lincoln High School where our office space was a large, sunny classroom. Anne introduced us to MapQuest (before GPS) so we could find our way to all of our assigned schools. The Merry Mentors learned all about the new boyfriend when Brent came on the scene and we witnessed the growing love between them. It was a beautiful thing to see and then to attend their amazing wedding.

    Anne was a cat lover like Jane and me. We were thrilled when Anne adopted her sweet kitten that she named Muse.

    And then Anne announced that she was pregnant with Kate. What a happy time! We were all so excited to meet that child for the first time. When she was little, Kate would join the Merry Mentors for our get-together sometimes. And when she was in middle school, Kate would go shopping at the South Center Mall while the Merry Mentors had lunch at Bahama Breeze.

    When I retired and Anne started working as a librarian at Bryant, she kept us up-to-date on the shenanigans of Seattle Schools.

    I have so many lovely memories of Anne and the Merry Mentors together. Her smile and positive outlook on life always warmed our hearts.

    I’m sending my love and prayers to Anne, Brent and Kate.

    Love, Mary Bell

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  26. Emily Burkhalter Avatar
    Emily Burkhalter

    In my children’s early years as students at Bryant Elementary, I met Anne and learned of the opportunity to volunteer in the library. When my youngest started kindergarten, I was eager to finally have the space to volunteer weekly. I expected it would be a wonderful environment for interacting with students and learning about books, but I had no idea how rewarding it would be to spend that time with Anne. Eight years later, long after my kids moved on to new schools, I still count my mornings in the library as a favorite element of my weekly routine. Anne is a beautiful human in so many ways, and I have been blessed to witness her truly brilliant teaching and learn to know her as a friend.

    My memories of time in the library include moments every week when I’d be busy organizing books in the background as she taught and I would just stop in my tracks, wander closer and turn my attention to her teaching. It’s inspiring to watch as Anne guides kids through devoloping vital skills of seeking information and evaluating sources through her purposeful activities. I’ve been moved to hear kids discuss their ideas of how they can show kindness and compassion to others around them through library discussions. What a joy it has been to regularly experience a classful of kindergarteners erupt into giggles after one of Anne’s jokes or see an entire class riveted during her engaging read-alouds. I love to see how she inspires students’ enthusiam for reading a variety of books through her book talks and recommendations so that they rush to the checkout desk to borrow them and place holds.

    I’ve appreciated the warm welcome I’ve received from Anne whenever I arrive at the library and our many conversations over the years. Anne is so generous with sharing anything she thinks might enrich others. I have a collection of book, movie and recipe recommendations from her, as well as resources for a variety of topics from home remodeling to health to preparing my kids to apply for college. Every week as I leave the library, Anne intentionally says goodbye and expresses her graditude. In my interactions with her, I feel valued, respected and supported.

    Thinking of the way Anne approaches relationships with warmth, humor, and authenticity, and knowing how she has touched the lives of me and my kids, I’ve been reflecting on how the gifts she has shared have surely been magnified so many times over in the lives of her family, friends, students, colleagues and neighbors.

    Anne, Brent and Kate, I’m holding you in my heart and prayers, and sending my love.

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  27. EricaD Avatar
    EricaD

    I met Anne when she and Brent brought little Kate to my story times at SPL’s Northeast Library. Omigosh, so much love emanating from that family! Not long after, Anne reached out to have coffee at Grateful Bread so we could talk librarianship, and we talked and talked and talked. Anne is one of those people it is just so freaking easy to talk and laugh with. So when she told me that she had gotten the librarian job at Bryant, I was beyond thrilled to get to work with her.

    Over the years, it has been such a privilege to have Anne as a partner in library-ness and as a friend. Every single time I walk into the Bryant library, I am greeted by one of Anne’s hugs…You know the kind, the hugs that say, “I am over the moon that you’re here.” I love when Anne calls me with a thought nugget she is teasing out because it is another opportunity to think deeply about this work we both love. Her dedication to the kids, families and community at Bryant is a joy to behold. And, of course, we chat about parenting, family, travels…the journey that we share as friends.

    Anne is truly a force of nature and brings so much light to everything she does and everyone who knows her. Anne, my friend, you, Brent and Kate are in all my heart, and I am sending gobs of love and strength.

    Much love,
    Erica

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  28. Kristen Eckert Avatar
    Kristen Eckert

    Twenty-ish years ago, Anne was my Star Mentor, and I could not have asked for a better guide and friend through that first year. She was always constructive, always let me know those places where my feet were firmly on the ground, and consistently lifted me up. Over the years I’d keep up with Anne through a shared family of friends and Bryant alum. Librarians at all of the schools I’ve worked at know Anne and when we discover the connection, we share stories about her kindness and her optimism, and her relentless pursuit for all children to find the books they love. Anne doesn’t just grow teachers and readers, she builds communities.

    I love to ask Anne what she’s reading. And, because she is the amazing human she is – I’d often find her shareables and reading lists in libraries across our district. She doesn’t just believe that sharing is caring, she practices it generously.

    I’m in administration these days, and I still think of Anne often. Last summer our shared friend got us together for a lovely summer day at a vineyard and we laughed and I delighted in the opportunity to re-connect in person. She made such a huge difference in my life and in my career. She even sought me out when I was going through a particularly hard time, shining her care on me when I needed it most.

    I’m cheering for you, Anne. And I’m cheering for your family and friends while I keep you in my heart. While you work on healing and mending, those of us you’ve cheered on will keep up your good work sharing books and growing readers.

    With lots of love and gratitude,
    Kristen Eckert

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  29. alwaysangela43ffbe173 Avatar
    alwaysangela43ffbe173

    During the pandemic, Anne, our neighbor at the time, generously offered to teach a series of lessons to Kate and my daughter Sasa using a book called Sentence Combining. She had a story about her experience with this book long ago, but sadly I don’t remember it. I truly believe that this experience gave my daughter a real boost in academic confidence and helped her flourish at school. I remain deeply grateful.

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  30. Kat Thoman Avatar
    Kat Thoman

    Anne and I are cousins so I have many memories of growing up and family reunions. In fact, my first trip to Disneyland was with Anne and our families. I was so upset that I had to stay with Anne and the Moms. I wanted to go with the older siblings of course. It ended up being a great day. I still remember the look on the guards face as we were leaving and Anne’s brother Tim took a hit of helium from a balloon and said Have a Nice Day.
    So many fun times as both our families are just crazy enough. When Anne moved to Seattle she started joining our family gatherings. She offered to cut the birthday cake at one of those events. I still don’t know what happened but she completely mutilated this cake. Of course we never let her live that down.
    Our lives got busy and we have not stayed in close contact these past few years. However the love has been and always will be strong. She is family. I’m looking forward to her mutilated another cake very soon. Kat

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  31. Kathy Nunan Sherman Avatar
    Kathy Nunan Sherman

    Anne was quite simply one of the most gracious, kind, thoughtful, and genuine people I have ever known. We worked together at Eckstein for several years, but I’m pretty sure we met somewhere before she came there. We saw each other over the years at district meetings and events after she left Eckstein, and the last time I saw her was at the retirement party for Ann Peterson. Anne was a light in this world, and she always made me feel cared for and supported. She inspired me to be a better teacher, and she exuded love for her career in education. Such a senseless and devastating loss. I will miss her spirit on this earth. She was a delight to know, and it was a privilege to be her colleague and friend. Much love and prayers to Brent and Kate. May you find gratitude and joy in small moments, as you mourn her tragic loss and in the midst of the tears and sadness.

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  32. joyfullysuitc9e2a93c6f Avatar
    joyfullysuitc9e2a93c6f

    I met Anne many years ago when my kids were at Bryant elementary. When my daughter started kindergarten there, I had some more time and decided to volunteer at the library. Something I continued to do until she graduated, because it was the loveliest place in the school – all because of Anne.

    Anne was incredible with the kids. She knew all their names and she spoke to each child as a person, not a little kid, but a person with their own personality and interests. That’s why she was such an engaging teacher and why she was able to attract kids to so many different books. I would often have to pause in my work to listen to her read-alouds, especially when she used different voices for different characters, and made us all crack up.

    And of course there were the Global Reading Challenges at Bryant. Both my kids participated and, as luck would have it, both ended up on winning teams. The extra hours of work that Anne put into working with these teams was extraordinary. And it was all done with warmth, fun, and excitement. And then there were the ice cream parties she threw afterward. Looking back now I marvel at her ability to juggle so many things.

    Anne and I quickly chatted up a storm over the years. We shared details about our families, the travels we took and wanted to take, and about theater. When Anne found out that my son was a theater fanatic and wanted to be on stage, she was excited. She told me how she had always loved the theater and used to be an usher. And from then on, she supported my son by going to as many of his school productions as she could, and donating money to support the theater program at Roosevelt when he came around hat in hand.

    One of the last times I saw Anne was at a Roosevelt PTSA trivia night at Ridge Pizza last year. I had no idea how much Anne loved a good trivia night, and I got to see her fun competitive spirit. Fortunately, I was on her team and, as we tried to figure out the answers, she would drop little jokes and asides and we would giggle together.

    As much as I remember and now treasure Anne’s incredible laugh and her warm and big hugs, I also remember the serious Anne. We had many discussions about supporting kids and families who needed extra attention. And we talked about the difficulties that LGBTQ communities had historically faced and continue to face. And we talked about the dangers of book banning. And so many other social and political topics. But Anne wasn’t just a talker, she was also a doer. I saw Anne in action when one of the Bryant lunchroom ladies, Miss Darlene, came down with breast cancer and needed support. Anne and I became part of a small group of people who consistently came over to Darlene’s house with food or just to sit and talk and laugh and cry with her. Anne would sometimes bring a joint or two to help Darlene with the nausea during chemo, and sometimes she’d just do the dishes. She radiated empathy and compassion.

    Thank you my dear Anne for all the laughs, the talks, and the times we stood in the middle of Whole Foods blocking the aisle while we caught up. Thank you for all the thoughtful end of year gifts for your library volunteers. And thank you for all the kids you helped raise and made fall in love with reading. Your kindness, curiosity, thoughtfulness, generosity, and humor have permeated every corner of this community, and so will live on for literally generations.

    Natalya

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  33. Tina Avatar
    Tina

    Dear Brent and Kate,

    I’m so very sorry for your loss. Anne was our kids’ librarian at Bryant for the past seven years, and she left a lasting impression on our family. I remember the gentle overdue book reminders I received from her—always thoughtful, detailed, and kind, helping us quickly track down and return books to their rightful place. Those small messages reflected her deep care for the library as a resource for children.

    Looking back through my inbox, I see a long trail of those reminders. While they may seem like simple notes, they are a testament to just one small part of the impact Anne (my kids called her Ms. Aliverti) had in the world. I was also fortunate to volunteer with her during the Reading Challenge one year during the Pandemic. In that brief time, I felt her deep dedication and her belief in the power of books to shape young minds.

    What happened is deeply tragic. I wish you and your family time and space to find peace and healing. Though Anne is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through the countless children and families she touched. May peace be with you.

    With deepest sympathy,

    Tina

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  34. WhittieMom Avatar
    WhittieMom

    Our girls were fortunate to have Anne as their librarian throughout their time at Bryant Elementary School. She made the library into such a special place, and she played a big role in our girls’ love of reading. My older daughter, now heading into her third year of college, still fondly remembers how excited she would be for read-aloud time. We loved the READ posters, the writer’s celebration, and the reading challenges. It was delightful.

    While Anne was known as “Ms. Aliverti” in our household and we only knew her as the wonderful school librarian, reading through these comments demonstrates how truly special Anne was. A cheerleader, a listener, a wise friend, a trivia buff, a movie buff, a loving mom and wife — a light in the world. I wish I had known her better; I have a sense we could have been good friends.

    We are heartbroken. Sending love.

    Catherine, Wallace, Ellie, and Caroline

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  35. elizasc Avatar
    elizasc

    Anne (Ms. Aliverti) was my kids’ librarian at Bryant, and possibly their favorite adult in the building. She had a special relationship with the students— one of respect. Ms. Aliverti had high expectations for all her students, and she earned their respect. Ms. Aliverti never talked down to you. Her library was a place my kids could come with big, or even scary questions and receive clear, calm answers. They remember book series she introduced them to, and meeting real authors. My son loved Shelf Elves because it was meaningful work, not just some club.  Anne took her students seriously as scholars and citizens. 

    One particular favorite memory was when Ms. Aliverti introduced them to The Twilight Zone.  She showed the episode “To Serve Man,” and my kids flipped.  It was just the right blend of creepy, silly, serious, smart.   They were hooked.  We spend the whole of last summer devouring episodes.  At the end of the summer, we traveled to celebrate my Grandmother’s 100th birthday.  My kids started chatting with her about Twilight Zone episodes they had all seen!  That was the sort of connection Anne intentionally cultivated with unexpected material.  

    We are all deeply distressed by her loss.  I’m keeping her philosophy in mind, though, as we discuss something so huge and confusing and painful.  Anne was the sort of person who could discuss death with kids— examining grief and loss through different lenses— finding meaningful connections.  

    Our community won’t be the same without her, but I am so grateful for the legacy she has left in hundreds of kids and families like ours.  

    Love, 

    Libby, Lena, and Luca

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  36. elizasc Avatar
    elizasc

    Anne (Ms. Aliverti) was my kids’ librarian at Bryant, and possibly their favorite adult in the building. She had a special relationship with the students— one of respect. Ms. Aliverti had high expectations for all her students, and she earned their respect. Ms. Aliverti never talked down to you. Her library was a place my kids could come with big, or even scary questions and receive clear, calm answers. They remember book series she introduced them to, and meeting real authors. My son loved Shelf Elves because it was meaningful work, not just a club.  Anne took her students seriously as scholars and citizens. 

    One particular favorite memory was when Ms. Aliverti introduced them to The Twilight Zone.  She showed the episode “To Serve Man,” and my kids flipped.  It was just the right blend of creepy, silly, serious, smart.   They were hooked.  We spend the whole of last summer devouring episodes.  At the end of the summer, we traveled to celebrate my Grandmother’s 100th birthday.  My kids started chatting with her about Twilight Zone episodes they had all seen!  That was the sort of connection Anne intentionally cultivated with unexpected material.  

    We are all deeply distressed by her loss.  I’m keeping her philosophy in mind, though, as we discuss something so huge and confusing and painful.  Anne was the sort of person who could discuss death with kids— examining grief and loss through different lenses— finding meaningful connections.  

    Our community won’t be the same without her, but I am so grateful for the legacy she has left in hundreds of kids and families like ours.  

    Love, 

    Libby, Lena, and Luca

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  37. Maggie Shellenberger Avatar
    Maggie Shellenberger

    My story of Anne echoes those of so many others. I feel deep gratitude for her mentorship, kindness, humor, and the incredible wealth of knowledge that guided me through my years teaching at Bryant. As a terrified new teacher, she welcomed me with open arms – always there with an encouraging word and honest feedback that helped me grow into the educator I am today.

    Even after I left Bryant, Anne continued to check in with thoughtful (and always funny) emails. Her care and connection never stopped at the school doors.

    While I never doubted her immense talent as a librarian and teacher, I quickly discovered her reputation stretched far beyond the Bryant community. More than once I heard: “You got to work with Anne Aliverti?!” and “Anne is what I strive to be as a teacher librarian.” I couldn’t agree more.

    I’m so grateful for the years I got to learn from her and call her a friend. Her presence will be missed immeasurably, but her love of learning and educating will be felt for generations—carried forward by the countless lucky souls she touched.

    I miss you, Anne.

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  38. Elizabeth Wilson Avatar
    Elizabeth Wilson

    We are heartbroken to hear of this huge loss. Anne was one of the very few people at Bryant that my eldest son trusted and felt safe around. She seemed to understand that he was different socially, but very smart for his years. My Noah was fortunate enough to be one of her Book Elves, as he loved alphabetizing books to put away. He was also a Read-a-Thon winner in his 5th grade and won a celebration lunch that Anne always hosted, -only we had pulled him from the school due to issues with bullying. Anne still insisted on sending him a gift card to Third Place Books with a hand written note telling him that she was always available to hear all about his reading journey in the future, no matter where he was.

    We are still in shock, what a bright and beautiful light she was to so many, truly a rare and beautiful person. Our deepest condolences to you and your whole family. We are all so lucky to have walked on earth with her for even the briefest moment.

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  39. Anne Lovinger Earhart Avatar
    Anne Lovinger Earhart

    My name is Anne as well – I was a witness to what happened; I was behind the driver who struck her. I held Anne’s hand and stayed with her until the paramedics arrived. I’ve been so worried about her and am absolutely heartbroken to hear that she passed. A friend sent me your blog. Please feel free to reach out anytime. I’ll keep her in my prayers. So much love to your family through this time.

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    1. Alison Davey Avatar
      Alison Davey

      thank you for holding her hand. Thank you for being so kind and providing what I imagine was a deep comfort to her. That means a lot to so many.
      Alison

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  40. Sanaa Avatar
    Sanaa

    I remember going to school at Bryant and visiting the library was the highlight of my and many other student’s weeks. Ms. Aliverti always had an upbeat personality and was ready to help me find whatever book I was looking for.

    I’ll always remember her patience and how generous she was.

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  41. Leo Garcia (student from Bryant) Avatar
    Leo Garcia (student from Bryant)

    i’m really sad but I will never forget how fun she was and how sweet she was. I always had fun with her like when it was field day and the bingo and all the other things she was involved in. When I first met her I didnt know her but now she is really a part of my life because she helped me read. I will never forget you Ms Aliverti💛📚

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  42. @craigseasholes Avatar
    @craigseasholes

    Anne was a librarian’s librarian, a “serendipity vendor” who put in all the work behind the scenes to allow her to work magic with students and adults alike. Her organization of Global Reading Challenge teams left other schools’ teams scratching their heads, wondering how they might be better prepared next time. Her leadership among the NE Seattle librarians cohort provided professional support and inspiration to peers who in turn inspired students in their schools. On more than one occasion Anne quietly addressed the inequality of resources between Seattle Schools by quietly sharing considerable gifts from Bryant’s library fund-raising events with less well heeled schools, including my own in SE and SW Seattle. She will be long-remembered among all SPS librarians and missed by all who knew her. I’m with Borges, who wrote “I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” I daresay Anne would be the librarian. -Craig Seasholes

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  43. M. Huw Evans Avatar
    M. Huw Evans

    There’s a hole in the universe that can never be filled.

    I don’t recall when I first met Anne—probably during early school orientation activities for our kids—but I only really got to know her a couple years ago when I started volunteering in the library. I had no idea, when I signed up, that my weekly shifts would become one of my greatest joys—something I looked forward to every week and one of things I really missed during vacations.

    Being around kids and books is always great, but what made time spent at Bryant Elementary’s library especially bright and wonderful was getting to listen in on Anne’s teaching sessions—when she’d read stories aloud and then discuss them with the kids. She was so good at bringing out the deeper themes and ideas and getting the kids interested and involved. And her jokes! Some of them were so delightfully terrible that even sitting alone at the circulation desk processing holds or checking in books, I’d be laughing aloud (probably louder than any of the kids).

    It was inspiring to see just how much Anne cared—about the kids, the books, the library, the school, but also about the world in general. I love that she never hesitated to talk about current events, never avoided topics that might be deemed “too political.” Informed, innovative, passionate, compassionate, warm, funny—I truly can’t think of a better person than Anne. I treasure every memory of time spent working with her, and I will miss her so much when I return to the library next week.

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  44. massnspace Avatar
    massnspace

    I worked with Anne way back in Eckstein days. Down the hall, she was. Always had a smile to share.

    One morning, before class, I was blasting out some classic 1970s Genesis on the speakers (as was my wont in those days). Anne came in, all excited, and insisted I search for a video she knew about of that band live in Europe, 1972 I think. We found it, and watched together (Supper’s Ready) laughing out loud at the weird wild genius of Peter Gabriel and that era in general. I think her husband worked for IMDb, and she told me they liked the old videos…

    RIP Anne….shine on.

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  45. Jean & Toby Cole Avatar
    Jean & Toby Cole

    Our family is saddened to read the news of Anne’s passing. Anne was our son’s LA teacher at Eckstein. She was the one caring teacher that reached out and met with us when the school year was not going well. She left an indelible mark on us all. She is remembered fondly and made a big difference in our lives. Thank you for providing us an opportunity to celebrate her AMAZING life and the educational legacy she gifted us.

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  46. Henry Avatar
    Henry

    Anne was my sixth grade language arts teacher at Eckstein. At the time, I was a spaz of a kid with little attention for school and a propensity for being a public nuisance. After a year of going out of her way to ensure I stayed on track and could excel in school (all while pregnant) she left this memory that has stuck with me ever since:

    Our class was quietly doing a writing assignment when I decided it would be funny to stand up and go sharpen my pencil as loud as possible. Just as I began, Mrs. Aliverti loudly informed me, along with the rest of my peers, that I was one of the most “unique” kids she had ever taught. I’m happy to say that I was thoroughly embarrassed as I sat there, pencil in hand, with the whole class staring at me.

    Needless to say, her comment was neither malicious or an attempt to shame me. It was a positive and caring way to meet me at my level and acknowledge me as more than a public nuisance. She was a kind, generous and thoughtful teacher that left a lasting impact. Thank you for all the time and effort you contributed to my education Mrs. Aliverti, you will be missed.

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  47. llamatenaciouseb3a46a285 Avatar
    llamatenaciouseb3a46a285

    I met my good friend Anne over 20 years ago when I first started teaching at Eckstein Middle School in Seattle.  She was the teacher right across the hall from me and we would chat and joke around during passing periods with our friend Jeanne.  Anne was really funny and she was always ready to crack a joke.  She was really helpful too.  I was only in my 2nd year of teaching middle school and my first year at Eckstein so I needed plenty of assistance.

    Through the years, I spent a lot of time walking with Anne.  We walked around Green Lake countless times and other times she created routes all over the city for us.  I remember that she liked to stop regularly during the walk and look at animals and laugh at what they were doing.  She wasn’t particular about the type of animal either-squirrels, geese, ducks and dogs were always entertaining to her.

    I remember one time we were stopped and watching squirrels at Green Lake and I thought they weren’t doing anything interesting.  I grew up in Virginia and squirrels were everywhere in my view and could be ignored.  I remember realizing that my perspective was limited.  At that moment, I learned that it was important to enjoy my friend being entertained and that maybe I was missing out on finding them entertaining too.  To this day, I see a squirrel and I think of Anne because she changed my perspective on them.

    I also remember in 2003 when Anne ventured into the online dating world and decided her profile should be treated more as a series of jokes rather than factual information about her.  In less than a month, she found the right guy who knew her movie references and a few short years later they were married.  I attended Anne and Brent’s wedding and it was so fun to celebrate with them.  I am so grateful that Anne had such a wonderful husband and daughter and they got to do so many trips together.

    In more recent years, our get togethers involved Brent and Kate.  Brent and my wife Jen are both UX designers and I remember Anne and me talking on the phone and getting so excited to have our spouses meet and connect for the first time.

    Reading through the stories about Anne, it is touching to see all the people that connected with her through the years.  There are so many people that adored her.  It is hard to fully grasp her impact on her community.

    She was such a spark of a human being.  I am going to really miss her and still can’t believe how suddenly she passed on.  Love you Anne.  Until we meet again.

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  48. Brooke Benmar Avatar
    Brooke Benmar

    I first knew Anne as Ms. Aliverti when I was an elementary schooler at Bryant about twelve years ago. I was beyond lucky to get to know Anne as an adult, just this past year, when she kindly offered to let me volunteer with her at the Bryant library. I started working with her in late May of 2025, and spent 3-4 days a week with her in the library for about a month. Even though this time was limited, I felt like I got to know her so well by the end and will forever be grateful to have had her as a mentor and friend. As an extraordinary person and incredible librarian, Anne taught me so much during this time, and I have many fond memories of her as a thoughtful, funny, inspired, wise, and hardworking pillar of community at Bryant.

    Despite having so many of her own tasks and hundreds of students to attend to, she made time to make me feel incredibly welcomed upon my arrival. I still remember her charismatic routine introduction of me to the classes who were coming in one by one for checkout days:

    “Now Brooke here is actually a former Bryant student who just graduated college… but she missed Bryant so much that she decided to come back here and start all over from Kindergarten… what do you guys think?” 

    The students would laugh and protest until she put her hands up, saying, 

    “Alright, alright, I’m just kidding. Brooke here is interested in being a teacher librarian, like me, so she’s trying it out. Do you guys think she should do it? Thumbs up or down?”

    She was terribly clever at working my soft spot by getting nearly thirty kids at once to cheer for me to be a librarian, and it made it impossible in those moments to imagine doing anything else with my life. When one of them bravely piped up “Yes, but the money might not very good,” Anne burst out in mock surprise, pointing at her bare wrist, and said: “What do you mean? Where do you guys think I got my Rolex?” She encouraged them to ask me questions and tell me their thoughts, even though I was a bit awkward starting out. Watching her with the students, I could see clearly how much they trusted and respected her as well as the library as a space.

    I was especially enchanted by listening to her read books aloud to the kids as I quietly shelved books. I remember a book that I heard a total of three times as different classes passed through the library for their lessons, about the invention of ramen to feed the hungry in Japan after WW2. I remember I was so captivated listening to Anne’s expressive reading voice and little asides in the story that I routinely forgot I was supposed to be an adult doing administrative work in the library, and not another Bryant student enraptured in storytime.

    I lost my own father at when I was sixteen, and upon reuniting with Anne she expressed her condolences with a rare level of fully unafraid concern, asking me more about it while we were working at the library together. In a world where so many people are uncomfortable with the reality of death, it was a relief to talk openly about it, with Anne genuinely empathazing but never patronizing me. From the conversations we had about the deaths in her own life and how open she was with me, I believe she would be immensely proud of her family for how they are navigating this and especially Brent for starting this blog. I think she would smile to see us remembering her far beyond the sadness of this tragedy, with gratitude for the joy and warmth she brought to all of us.

    I am so, so, sorry for your loss.

    Sending all my love to the Alivertis,

    Brooke Benmar

    P.S. this is the edited for length version, I have more memories that I would love to share

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  49. girlieceo Avatar
    girlieceo

    I was probably in 3rd or 4th grade at Bryant Elementary when Ms. Aliverti became the librarian and even now at age 24 I still remember the joy and light she brought into the library. I was a ferocious reader at the time, and she had endless book suggestions for me whenever I would come in asking for more.

    I later became a shelf elf and spent most of my recesses in the library with Ms. Aliverti, even on the days when I was supposed to be playing outside. She created a space in the library where I felt safe and welcomed, and I remember her being an adult at school that made me feel safe and loved. I credit those years in the Ms. Aliverti’s library at Bryant to my lifelong love of reading.

    My deepest sympathies to Ms. Aliverti’s family and friends.

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  50. K Avatar
    K

    The library at Bryant Elementary School was my favorite place, and Ms. Aliverti had a big role in it. From kindergarten to first grade, I was behind in reading levels, but by second grade, I had learned to love reading. I couldn’t wait for the class trips to the library where Ms. Aliverti would read to us and I could get new book recommendations. The library became my safe space, and I did everything I could to spend as much time as I could there. I was a Shelf-Elf for three years and I did the Global Reading Challenge for two, both of which I have the fondest Bryant memories at.

    Because I loved books so much, I always said I wanted to be a librarian, which somewhat came true when I got my first job as a Student Assistant at the Seattle Public Library, a job I found very similar to the Shelf-Elf. Ms. Aliverti’s passion and love of storytelling nurtured my love of books and left an imprint in my heart that continues today. She taught me that reading is more than just books, but the world beyond the pages and who you share it with.

    Sending love and condolences.

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  51. Michael Barrett Miller Avatar
    Michael Barrett Miller

    I am deeply saddened by the news of Anne’s passing.
    I first met Anne and young Kate when they came into Javasti’s coffee shop every morning before rushing off to school.
    Kate would stop by my table, where we discussed the books she was reading and her thoughts on them.
    Anne also chatted with a couple of us about books and what was happening in and out of the schoolhouse.
    A very fond memory is when the family met me at the Woodland Park Zoo, where I was able to share some of the knowledge I had collected over years of volunteering.
    Kate and Anne had a wonderful time feeding the free-flying Parakeets and enjoying several animals as we walked around together.
    I will greatly miss Anne’s insightful thoughts on books and her perspectives on education, as well as her dedication to making schools the best they can be for all children.

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  52. Violet Pals-Schulz Avatar
    Violet Pals-Schulz

    I was just told of Ms. Aliverti’s passing. I have just started 8th grade at Eckstein, and I went to Bryant from Kindergarten to 5th grade.

    Every morning as I arrived, I would see Ms. Aliverti at the gates welcoming everyone in. I would wave to her; she would wave back and smile as I walked through the gates.

    I always loved going to the library, for so many reasons. When I was younger, she would read us a book and talk about it a bit. Then we got “checkout time”, which is when we were free to roam the library, looking for books we want. She would show us new books/books she thought we would like and have us hand her our name cards. She would hide them behind her back and then pull one out, and whoever’s name was in the card, was one to check out that book, like a lottery. Additionally, throughout my time at Bryant, during checkout time, students would often go up to her if they couldn’t find a book. I remember also needing help, and I had to follow her around the entire library while she was helping a kid look for a good book for them. She would also teach us how to look on the computers where each book in the library is, but that didn’t stop kids from needing her help, and it didn’t stop her from helping everyone. When I got older, she would teach us about how to find credible sources online, how to check out books digitally, amongst other things. She always kept the lesson interesting, by having to work with our table to figure something out or often calling on people to keep them engaged.

    In my 4th and 5th grade year, I started getting more involved with the library and Ms. Aliverti. I participated in the Global reading challenge and participated in the Shelf Elf service she created (Shelf Elf is when kids would come during recess and help restock books, as well as deliver books to classrooms). Ms. Aliverti would always talk to us, make jokes, and be overall friendly. During the Global reading challenge, while teams met up to strategize, she would always come to our table and help organize the group, or point out something we might be missing, so that we could fix it.

    Ms. Aliverti wanted everyone to read, and love what they’re reading. She would go out of her way to help anyone of us, and some of us started to read so much, she always had to remind us that there was a limit to how many books we could check out.

    I love Ms. Aliverti so much. I will always think about you when I check out a book.

    Love, Violet Pals-Schulz

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  53. speedilynut1f9156baf1 Avatar
    speedilynut1f9156baf1

    I worked with Anne at Eckstein when she joined our team as the LA teacher.

    Anne elevated everyone and everything around her. She was brave and insightful and had a searing intelligence always lightened by humor.

    I’m so grateful to have worked with her . She taught me a few tricks to ease the stress of teaching.mainly to always see the humor and joy in most situations. But also, I always think of her when dealing with endless emails: “read an email once, take action and delete”.

    recently we reconnected and she took time out of her busy life to come see my new house and take a couple walks. I know her family must feel this wave of support from her community. She will always have a strong presence in our lives.

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