Ann Gerstley Pieper

Born on June 25, 1941 in Los Angeles to Elizabeth (Lilienthal) and James M. Gerstley, Anne grew up in southern CA. She graduated from the Westlake School for Girls (now the co-ed Harvard-Westlake School) and Pomona College, then moved to the Bay Area where she eventually earned two MAs from Mills College (library science) and Cal State Hayward (counseling). After leaving librarianship, she taught counseling at JFK University, ran her own family counseling service as a licensed therapist, and later ran a grief counseling training program at Mt. Diablo Hospital before retiring.

She married G. René Pieper in 1966, and although the marriage did not last, they remained friends the rest of their lives. The marriage produced three children: twin sons Timmy and Tommy, and a daughter, Debbie.

Anne loved international culture, music, and dance. She was fortunate enough to travel to Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Polynesia during her life, even spending over six months as an exchange student in Denmark after college. She performed with Dances of the Pacific with her daughter for many years and later joined local branches of the Threshold Choir. She was active at the Mt Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, even co-running her own small group of singers for a time. Anne was a crafter, especially fond of sewing, making numerous items for community projects. She valued nonviolent communication, studying it for many years. She was known for being an outstanding listener, supporting personal autonomy, and providing many acts of love, both great and small. “How can I support you?” was always her first question, for any friend or family member who was struggling in any way. Anne made a point of always giving back to the community. No one who knew her could ever doubt her genuine care and compassion.

Anne is survived by many friends, her brother Jim and sister-in-law Caroline, as well as her daughter, son-in-law Will, and two grandchildren, Nina and Jackson. She was predeceased by both sons, her ex-husband René, and her parents.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Anne’s name to The Haas-Lilienthal House, Pomona College, the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, or the Threshold Choir.