Ann B.

Carpenter

On Wednesday, April 8, 2020, Ann Carpenter, our beloved mother, passed away after a long illness. She was 85.
It all started in small town Paynesville, Minnesota, Ann Davis Bugbee was born of Hortense M. Bugbee and Shirley E. (Boots) Bugbee on October 19, 1934. She is the sister of her older brother John. Looking for opportunity in California, the family settled in Mill Valley and Ann and John graduated from Tamalpias High School.

Ann met our father, Gene, at San Jose State where she earned her nursing degree. They were married for more than 50 years until Dad's death in 2006. They raised their family of five kids, Bill, Kathryn, Carol, Louise, and Susan in Hollister, CA. With family members to feed and clothe, Ann became a seamstress and baker - often timing her fresh bread and cookies to come out of the oven as her brood returned home from school. She regularly canned local fruits and vegetables over the outdoor stove Gene rigged up in the backyard.
Ann took great pride in the accomplishments of her kids and her grandchildren Matthew, Neil, Nathan, Lara, Gabriel, Audrey, Sarah and Rachel, but she was an accomplished woman in her own right, returning to college to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) at age 44! She was an OB nurse and a blood bank nurse. But the nursing job she loved most was being a member of the Visiting Nurses (VNA). She was known as the white-haired nurse in the white lab coat driving her convertible to assist homebound patients. Ann had a rule about driving a convertible: "Always drive with the top down unless it's raining."
Ann was a registered Democrat - and proud of it. She was a political beast, running for and being elected to the Hollister city council and eventually serving a term as mayor. She was also part of the county Democratic Central Committee and supported many local, state, and national politicians. Countless nights were spent discussing and arguing politics around the Carpenter family kitchen table.
Ann decided she wanted a pond like her father Boots had. So, she built one - even doing the digging herself! For many years it was her pride and joy. She enjoyed politics, religion, crochet, old movies, dogs, cats, the San Francisco Giants, the Kentucky Derby, friends, and most importantly, her family. Ann's progressive interpretation of her Catholic faith was the foundation on which her life was built.
For those of you who knew her well, and for all of us she left behind, Ann will be greatly missed. A funeral Mass was held under diosecean and county Covid-19 guidelines. A Celebration of Life and burial will be held at a future time when travel restrictions permit. For now, she would love a prayer said in her name. The family wishes to extend much gratitude for the outpouring of support and love during this time.
Many have asked to make donations to which she supported. They include:
* Pet Friends and Rescue 2975 Buena Vista Rd, Hollister, CA 95023
*St. Joseph's Indian School 1301 N Main St, Chamberlain, SD 57325 (800) 341-2235
* American Civil Liberty's Union: aclu.org
* Stevens Creek Trail Association 22221 McClellan Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014 (408) 255-5780
* St. Francis Retreat Center 549 Mission Vineyard Rd, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045 (831) 623-4234