Obituary of Louise Reed MacNair Anthony

Louise Reed MacNair Anthony Long-time Tucson resident, Louise Reed MacNair Anthony, died on October 28, 2013, after a brief struggle with recurrent cancer. A marvelous painter, gifted editor, welcoming hostess, and incredible chef, she was born in Manhattan in 1930 and raised on Long Island. Louise graduated from Vassar College in 1951 and met her husband Jim while working at the Columbia University Library in New York City. Together they moved to Tucson when he joined the faculty of the University of Arizona in 1952. She taught at the Second Street Children's School and worked as a computer lab assistant at the University; but, for the better part of her adult life, painting was her delight. Though an adventurous spirit coupled with academic opportunity led Jim and Louise to travel widely through Europe, and then to live in their beloved France whenever possible, Louise nonetheless had a special spot in her heart for her desert home, finding beauty in even the tiniest touches of color of an Arizona spring. With a keen intellect, broad range of interests, and wide circle of longstanding friends and extended family, she embraced life with joy, continuing to travel and entertain until the end. Her serenity of spirit and the sunshine in her heart were not only reflected in her painting, but in every human encounter; she was dearly loved by all whose lives she touched. She leaves us with memories of a rich, full life, graced with dignity and elegance. Preceded in death by her husband, James R. Anthony, and her son, Stephen H. Anthony, Louise is survived by daughters, Barbara Anthony Nkele and Janet Anthony; daughter-in-law, Setsuko Anthony; and grandchildren, Rudi Anthony, Erika Anthony, Aluma R. Nkele and Nkem L. Nkele. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in Louise's name to BLUME Haiti.org (a 501(c)(3) charity supporting music education in Haiti) or to Planned Parenthood Arizona (http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ppaz/) A Celebration of Louise's life will take place in Tucson at the San Pedro Chapel, 5230 E. Fort Lowell Road on Sunday, November 17, 2013, at 12:45 p.m. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.