Anna F. Schieffer, First woman to “letter” at Berkeley

Anna F. Schieffer, 85, passed away peacefully in her sleep on
Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at her home in Santa Rosa. She had her
loyal poodle companion Sam, ever vigil, by her side. Ann led a full
and beautiful life, shared with many friends and family. She was
born in Healdsburg to the late Robert and Florence Schieffer on
August 24, 1919. She graduated from Healdsburg High School at the
age of sixteen and attended U.C. Berkeley, earning Masters Degrees
in both history and physical education. Ann was the first woman at
U.C. Berkeley to be awarded a school “letter” for her achievements.
While teaching, she continued her education and received a
Doctorate in Physiology. Ann never stopped educating herself or
others and became a consummate educator, teaching at Mills College
and U.C. Berkeley. In the latter part of her career she moved to
Napa and became a Guidance Counselor at Napa High School, and was
very devoted to assisting her students. An excellent athlete, she
enjoyed and taught tennis, golf and swimming. Upon retirement, Ann
moved to Medford, Oregon with her two best friends and often took
to the road in their RV to enjoy traveling, camping and fishing.
She came home to Sonoma County in the summer of 2002. Ann never
missed an opportunity to have fun; she lived life to its fullest.
She was equally comfortable in the out-of-doors as she was on a
dance floor or in a concert hall. Ann will be remembered for her
quick and wonderful wit, her strong will, her positive and
optimistic support, and her open and generous heart. She is
survived by her nephews Glenn of Grants Pass, Oregon, Robert and
his wife Christine of Tracy, James and his wife Tonja of
Healdsburg; sister-in-law Clara Schieffer of Healdsburg;
great-nephews Talon and Tanners of Grants Pass, Robert and Thomas
of Healdsburg; great-nieces Danielle and Alison of Healdsburg; and
friend Bonnie Lee Newcomb of Santa Rosa. Graveside services were
held on January 7, 2005 at Oak Mound Cemetery in Healdsburg. In
lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ann’s memory to the
American Lung Association, Redwood Empire Branch, 115 Talbot
Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 or the Treatment and Research
Advancements National Association of Personality Disorder, 23
Greene Street, New York, NY 10013.