Anne Varnedoe Tomczak
Jan. 13, 1932-March 6, 2018
Albany, California

Anne Tomczak, (nee Helen Anne Varnedoe) passed away peacefully at the age of 86 in Albany, California, surrounded by loving family. 

Anne was born on January 13, 1932 in Ventura, California to Harry and Helen Varnedoe. She grew up on a quiet orange ranch in Ojai. Anne was quite bright and excelled in her studies, eventually receiving two scholarships to U.C. Berkeley where she studied English, Speech and Drama. A lover of expression through words, an avid reader and fan of theater and drama, Anne graduated Magna Cum Laude. After graduation, she taught English and became a tutor for an American family in France, where she met her future husband Ed. Their whirlwind romance included travels to Italy, Germany, Belgium, Sweden and Spain. Anne was a lover of travel, art, wine and culture throughout her life. She and Ed eventually settled in Palo Alto, where they raised two beautiful daughters, Amy and Tracy. For 35 years, Anne was a passionate and committed teacher in the Palo Alto Unified School district. She taught English and Creative Writing at Jordan, Cubberley, Terman and Gunn high schools.  Anne loved to express herself through watercolor painting, playing piano and organ, dancing and listening to all types of music. She was an avid moviegoer, loved dramas, mysteries and political thrillers and never missed the Academy Awards. She was a lifelong democrat and very passionate about politics and social justice. Astrology, philosophy and the mysteries of life beyond planet earth were also her interests. Anne, loving mother, is survived by her two devoted daughters Aimee (Amy) Tomczak, and Tracy Noack, and son-in-law David Noack.  Anne is survived by her sister, Alice Pounds; and preceded in death by her brother Harry Varnedoe Jr. (1996); She is preceded in death by her former husband Edmund Tomczak (2008). She was a loving aunt to Cynthia Glasser (Ken), Jon Varnedoe (Juliet), Jill Varnedoe Gordon (Vince) and Lisa Brummer (Rick), and preceded in death by her beloved niece Allison Pounds (1986).  Her warmth, intelligence, caring nature and beautiful smile were gifts to all who knew her and loved her. Even into her later years she always made friends and was beloved wherever she lived. She will be sorely missed by her loving family and friends. 

Tags: teacher/educator