There truly are no words. Losing Anna is such a tragedy, and I know I am not alone in being so, so sad. Being Anna's cross country coach was such a joy -- mostly because of the optimism, brightness, and joy that they brought with them. They gave their best each day, raced hard, and cheered for their teammates harder. I miss our "trivial" conversations about their textbooks ("really not so bad, could be way worse, and is actually kind of good," they told me), their oral hygiene ("good enough," they said with a bright smile as they headed off to the dentist, emphatic they'd be back for the rest of practice after), and whatever else was the topic du jour. Sending love and comfort to you, Sarah, Stephen, and Ian -- and to all who had the true privilege of knowing Anna. Anna is forever part of the ARXC family (so are y'all) and I am certain their memory will forever be a blessing. Warmly, Risa
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My family and I are so sorry for Anna’s loss. I am Amina M-M’s and Rabi M-M’s dad, and my partner and I are both UMass faculty. Although we haven’t really met, despite being in similar circles, Anna connected to our kids’ lives. As a counselor at Morse Hill this past summer, Amina observed how wonderful and engaged Anna was with the campers. Rabi is in Anna’s grade, and near to Anna’s circle of close friends from Crocker, especially Rutesh, through Ultimate. He appears in several of the (joyful) Nordic photos on this site from this past winter. From what little I know, Anna’s spirit, enthuasiam and energy were infectious. They touched many, many people in the community, including my family. And we send empathy and care at this time of unimaginable, and so very unfair, loss and grief.
2
My son Niko was very quiet in public settings - painfully quiet. Gina and I worried that he might never have friends – he didn’t seem to fit in with other kids. Then along came this child. Together they would lay out on the driveway, or drape themselves over the hood of my car, silently soaking up the sun’s warm rays. Often I would look out the back window and see them digging a hole, filling it with water and start throwing each other in. In the summer mud, or the winter snow, they would gleefully wrestle, and run, and fight with each other for hours until exhausted. Anna was my son’s first real friend, and we are greedily remembering, reliving, and trying to hold onto those memories of when they were with us.
6
I will always remember Anna as a spunky, bright, sweet preschooler. They stayed in my heart all these years and will always live there. My deepest condolences Sarah, Stephen, Ian and the whole Amherst community. There are truly no words.
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2022, Hitchcock Center for the Environment, West Street, Amherst, MA, USA
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Sarah and Stephen, I am so, so sorry for your loss. I see so much of you, Sarah, in these photos of Anna. We are thinking of you all. Love, Matt and Becky
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Dear Dr. Goff and family I'm so sorry for your loss. I may not have known Anna but it seems they were an amazing person. My thoughts are with you during such sad times.
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Our sincerest sympathy for your loss. Anna and their family are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Garland Family
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I never had the privilege to meet Anna. As I read these amazing tributes what is abundantly clear is how they touched so many lives and left such a lasting impression on this community. I am a person who cares deeply for the youth in this community and so many are hurting with the loss of your beloved Anna. As a fellow medical school colleague Sarah I wish you and your family strength during this most difficult time.
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Sarah, I am so sorry to hear of Anna’s passing. Reading these posts, clearly they were an amazing person, and I see so much of you in them. I’m not close by, but you are always in my heart. Sending much love to you, Stephen and Ian. -Sue
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Dear Sarah, Stephen and Ian.
We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear that you have lost your lovely Anna in the prime of her life, our hearts go out to you.
We remember Anna from when she was very little with her lovely blonde bobbed hair playing so happily with Megan, and saw her mature into a beautiful teenager with every visit to Amherst.
We offer you our love, thoughts , prayers and sincere sympathy and so wish it could help to mend your broken hearts.
Rest peacefully Anna
Chris and Costas Nicolaou
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Dear Sarah, Stephen and Ian- From all these beautiful pictures and stories, Anna was so clearly one of those special beings who inspired, touched and cared for everyone they met and jumped in full force to explore and express their loves, talents, interests and passions. We are holding you all in our hearts with much tenderness and care. Love Danna and Bob
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