Resident of Santa Cruz 

Annie Boutelle was born at Entrance Ranch in Alberta, Canada, a majestic spot just east of the Rocky Mountains. Soon after her birth, Annie was ceremonially blessed by the Anishinabe tribe that lived nearby, and given a special name, Esseneewatsee (Rocky) by the revered chief, Peter O’Chiese, a friend of her parents. In later years, she often used that nickname, and delighted in the story that came with the blessing, of the thunder god protecting her through life. As a child, she often ran out in the rain to leave offerings when she heard thunder. In 1974 the family returned to Santa Cruz, where she grew up. As a young teenager, Annie was an excited participant in the Peace Child organization, the first Soviet-American Youth Summit meeting in Moscow, an experience that included three student-exchange trips to Russia. It was an eye-opening experience. She gained some fluency in Russian language, and for years stayed in touch with Russian friends. Her dream of a peaceful world took hold and shaped her life ever after. Annie graduated from Santa Cruz High School and attended UC Santa Cruz. Her first work experiences were in San Francisco, on research projects related to HIV clinical trials at UCSF, and at the J. David Gladstone Institute. She volunteered in numerous health-related agencies in the city. In 2006, Annie tired of life in the city and moved to Guerneville, CA, where she worked for many years as a resort manager and innkeeper at several inns, and later as the Manager of the Johnson’s Beach Resort, on the Russian River.

Guerneville was the place where Annie found her heart’s home, her beloved community of friends and fellow activists, nature lovers, and artistic playmates. During her years at the River, Annie thrived. She loved kayaking, swimming, and exploring the North Coast. She was good at gardening, and often grew enough food to supply her neighbors with abundant bounty. She adored dressing up, and was well known for her lighted costumes, rainbow extravaganzas, mermaid outfits, and even her joy in participating with the local chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence as Sister Maya Magination. Her home was a magical place, full of rainbows, dancing light, butterflies on the walls, sculptures, paintings, and color in every direction. Her garden was an extravaganza of blooming flowers and vegetables, with solar-powered colored lights, bird and squirrel feeders, and even small portholes in the fence for her dog to enjoy. Annie’s greatest happiness came from helping others, and in her efforts as an activist working for justice and equal opportunity. She was politically active, and always fought for her vision of a peaceful world. She never had much money, but she shared happily with those in need. She volunteered whenever she could, helping her community with flood recovery, with assistance after the Santa Rosa Fire, and with efforts to help individuals who had fallen on hard luck. She was drawn to children and animals. She adored her nephew and nieces and was overjoyed during her illness to adopt a sparkly little dog, Waffles, who brought her great happiness.

In early 2023, Annie received her devastating cancer diagnosis and moved back to Santa Cruz for treatment. The thunder god could not protect her from the misery of her illness. Yet she weathered it with grace and kindness, taking pleasure in small things and finding happiness in the daily contacts with friends and family. She was grateful for the kindness of the medical oncology team who treated her at the Sutter Infusion Center. Throughout her illness, she never indulged in self-pity despite her pain and weakness, and she slipped away peacefully in the arms of her loved ones.

Annie was predeceased by her father, Jonathan, and her uncle, Christopher Boutelle. She is survived by her mother, Kim Tyler; her stepmother, Daniella Woolf; her two brothers, Phiip and Tommy Boutelle; her sister-in-law, Megan Caspers; her nephew, Desmond, two nieces, Elliette and Addie; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. In addition, she leaves her beloved caregiver, Jason Henson, and numerous friends. All of us mourn her loss and greatly miss her presence in our lives. She was a'human lighthouse', a description borrowed from poet Andrea Gibson, a fellow cancer sufferer. Memorial services are being planned, both in Guerneville and in Santa Cruz, with details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to a Go-Fund-Me account to support the Musical Instrument Library, and her friend Jason who selflessly cared for Annie for almost two years.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jason-honoring-annies-memory