Obituary of Anna Mikhailovna Keck-Tomasso

Anna Mikhailovna Keck-Tomasso illuminated the life of all those around her. Though her passing came unexpectedly, her loved ones are comforted to know that her light now shines within each of them and throughout the community. Anna passed away Tuesday, January 24, in the beautiful sanctuary that she and her loving husband, Anthony, created together in the Aptos hills. She was 71. Born in Portland, Oregon on December 12, 1940, Anna was one of four children. On her own at 12 and ambitious by nature, she became a Registered Nurse by age 21, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Oregon in 1962. Anna became a Family Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant in 1980, studying in the joint Stanford/UC Davis FNP/PA program. Her education extended far beyond a classroom and the joy she found in learning continued throughout her life. Anna settled in Aptos with her three children in 1973 and quickly created deep roots in the community. She was a teacher and a healer, working with patients of HIV/AIDS for the County of Santa Cruz, developing her own private practice as a holistic nurse practitioner, and co-founding Healing Journeys, a non-profit organization to celebrate and empower women living with cancer. As a breast cancer survivor herself, she had an enlightened enthusiasm for life and a profound appreciation for her family and friends. Anna was deeply spiritual and always learning. She enjoyed many travels and the islands of Hawaii held a special place in her heart. Anna saw everything in her life through the eyes of an artist and expressed herself by painting, singing, and writing. Affectionately known as NANA, she devoted much of her time to her grandchildren; delving into their individual interests and gathering them together for special art projects. Among the many things Anna will be remembered for are her clear thinking, inquisitive mind, her courage, her open loving heart, her immense connection to spirit and her ability to laugh and see beauty in every aspect of life. She is survived by her husband, Anthony Tomasso of Aptos, her children, Karen Wilson of Corralitos, Mark Garvey of Rio Del Mar and Brent Garvey of Aptos, step-children, Nell Tomasso of Sacramento and Brian Tomasso of Campbell, sister, Susan Diamond of Modesto, brother, Kemps Jones of Oregon, and eleven grandchildren. A gathering to honor Anna's life will be held at the Corralitos Community Center on February 11th at 1p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be set up in Anna's name. For more information and to share your stories of Anna, please visit www.annamom.com.