Anne Van Lahr Doud, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, passed away on April 9, 2023, at her longtime residence in La Cañada Flintridge, California.
Known to many for her unwavering faith, it seems fitting that she passed on Easter Sunday. Anne was born on November 17, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Mary Claire Johansing and Robert Van Lahr.
Anne spent her childhood in Twentynine Palms with her younger siblings Mary, Jane and Leo, helping her parents around the 29 Palms Inn. After graduating from Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, she attended Dominican College in San Rafael where she met Charles O’Reilly Doud. Anne was immediately captivated by Charlie’s Air Force uniform, his charm and his smile, in no particular order, and a courtship ensued. Just a short three months later, Charlie was certain that Anne was the love of his life and asked for her hand in marriage. The happy couple exchanged vows at Blessed Sacrament Church in Twentynine Palms in 1958.
Charlie felt as though he hit the jackpot with his new bride, a blessing as he often called it, which was a sentiment he shared until his death in 2021. Charlie and Anne started their family in 1960, and for over sixteen years, they welcomed eight children into the world. They settled in La Cañada, California, where they raised their family and built a life together at Rancho Chiquita.
Anne, Annie to most, and Nannie or Nanners to her grandchildren, took great joy in being surrounded by loved ones. This value was equally championed by her and Charlie throughout their entire lives, as the Doud house was constantly hosting nieces, nephews, and anyone who needed a place to stay. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and her belief that every human being has the right to life was a guiding force in her daily practice, as it fueled her unwavering devotion to her community. She was an active volunteer with the Pregnancy Help Center in Alhambra, the Right to Life League, St. Bede’s Bereavement Ministry, Christ Child Society of Pasadena and hospice.
Anne was a doer, whether it was reading or in the outdoors tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. She was well-known for her nourishing meals, and her kitchen was always flowing with delicious food and laughter. Friends of her children and grandchildren still recall how she always made room for anyone who needed a warm meal or listening ear.
Above all else, Anne cherished her role as the matriarch of the Doud family. She was a devoted fan for all her loved ones — no event was too far for her. And if she couldn’t be there in person, she would find a way to support from afar.
Anne will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and family. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her. A funeral service was held on Friday, April 14, at 1 p.m. at St. Bede’s in La Cañada. In lieu of flowers, volunteer your time, share a cup of coffee with a loved one, or plant flowers in Anne’s honor.
