Ann Elizabeth Sturley, PhD, RN died on June 23rd, 2023 at the age of 74. She passed away surrounded by loved ones at the Hospice of the North Coast’s Pacifica House in Carlsbad, CA.

Ann was born on 21 November 1948 in Meadville PA to Eric Avern Sturley and Helen Elizabeth (Ebbert) Sturley. Her father’s involvement with international programs through Southern Illinois university led Ann and her family to live all over the world and sparked a lifelong joy of travel and appreciation for other cultures.

After receiving her undergraduate degree in Anthropology at Beloit College, Ann joined her family who had taken up a post in Nepal. It was in Nepal where she began her interest in eastern religions and cultures which she continued to explore her entire life. Ann led students with the Experiment in International Living to Nepal in ‘74, ’75, and ‘81 and became fluent in the Nepali language.

After Nepal, Ann attended the University of Hawaii where she received a BSN in nursing and a master’s in public health. Ann received an East-West Center scholarship for doctoral study in international public health and would return to Nepal to do research for her doctoral dissertation, "Perceptions of contraception in rural Nepal." Ann furthered her journey into Tibetan buddhism in Nepal and Hawaii, going on retreats and hosting prominent teachers, and continued to practice into her final days.

After earning her PhD, Ann moved to California and began a career in Public Health. Ann was a researcher at UCLA, Veterans Medical Research Foundation, and San Diego Hospice, where she was also an admissions nurse. Ann finished off her career as a medical software instructor for Scripps.

Ann was an avid photographer, capturing her life adventures from her unique point of view. Her photos can be found proudly displayed in the homes of friends and family all over the world. Ann loved to hike and was a member of the Sierra Club with whom she went on countless excursions. She was also an honored member of Amnesty International, hosting meetings and Write for Rights events at her home.

Ann is survived by her sister Winifred Sturley of Vista CA, brother and sister-in-law John and Janet Sturley of Glen Carbon IL, Nephews Ryan Sturley of Portland OR and Mark Sturley of Santa Monica CA, Niece Paige Sturley of Whittier CA., and of course her loyal companion Kushi the dog.

In lieu of flowers Ann requests donations to:

Hospice of the North Coast

2525 Pio Pico Dr. STE 301, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

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