Ann Best died peacefully in her home in Pacific Grove on Jan 3, 2020.   She would have been 89 years old on May 7.

She worked at her dream job for 20 years:  a Children’s Librarian in Stockton, California.  Her favorite duty was reading for the children’s program each week.   She was also a Den Mother, swim mom, a fabulous cook, a decent bridge player, cinephile, volunteer in the arts, and a serious lifelong reader.   She always encouraged and supported her children in all of their various adventures, and gave wise counsel about any trouble they managed to get into.  

She loved to travel around the world with her husband, Garnet Best.   They met at Stanford University in the early 1950’s; danced, dated, and then married soon after.   She was a blushing bride of 22, fresh off of the farmlands of Brentwood, California, where she was born.  This marriage resulted in three children: David Best, Laura LaPorte, and Gary Best.  They were married 45 years until he preceded her in death on August 15, 1996.

She loved sweet desserts, delicate flowers, museum visits, Seinfeld, dining at exotic restaurants, walking her dog on the beach, and meeting new people, both local and foreign people from distant lands.  She was a fiercely loyal friend, and would nurture those friendships over decades.  She gave generously of her time and money to the many things enjoyed:  liberal politicians, The Monterey Aquarium (where she earned her 1500 hour pin), The Stockton Symphony, numerous theater groups, and charities that assisted less fortunate people as well as those that protect our natural world.

She is survived by her sister, Nancy Thomason, her three children, and three grandchildren: Kevin LaPorte, Kelsey Anderson-Kline and Nicole Laporte.  She shared her last years at home with her wonderful friend and caregiver Arlene Masters.

Services will be private.  Please direct any memorial gifts in her honor to your local Hospice or Planned Parenthood.