Anne Annie Marie Tipton McGuire

Anne Marie (Tipton) McGuire, a precious and shining woman of faith, has left us way too soon, following a 3 year illness with brain cancer. Annie, as she is known by most, possessed the most rare combination of love, kindness, spirituality, gentleness, strength, toughness, intelligence and fun.

Annie grew up in Visalia, CA, attending Mount Whitney High School and College of the Sequoias before transferring to Cal State Chico in 1976. There she met her future husband Bob McGuire from Tustin, CA, and they were married in October 1980.

Annie's focus was always on helping others. She was an incredible listener, and a natural therapist/counselor. She had an innate gift of understanding people and accepting the person for who they are. People felt safe and respected with Annie.

Annie was fearless but didn't think of herself that way. She was talented in so many ways but had a beautiful humility about herself. Her faith in God was at her core.

Annie worked in the computer software, training, and business management world for over 30 years until she responded to a calling to pursue her heart's desire: To become a Marriage Family Therapist. She enrolled in night school while working full-time for the Diocese of Monterey. She completed her Master's program with a 4.0 GPA and started her Internship at the Beacon House in Pacific Grove, helping addicts and families of addicts in recovery. She was halfway through the required 3,000 internship hours when everything changed.

For the past 3 years, Annie rose above every challenge and setback that brain cancer could throw at her, until it became too much. Annie is a model for how to endure adversity: Faith, quiet courage, good cheer, looking forward, getting back up after being knocked down, and never giving up. She never complained. She never asked: "Why me?". She hugged and thanked her doctors, and they hugged her back. She glowed with an inner peace that comforted others. She kept going as long as she could. Her example inspired all who knew her. She is a true woman of faith.

The family gives sincere thanks to the many wonderful friends who have loved and supported Annie and Bob on this difficult road. Special thanks to Dr. Koontz, Dr. Feehan, Dr. Centurion (Monterey) and Dr. Nagpal, Dr. Li (Stanford) for their personal care for Annie.

She is survived by her loving husband Bob, son Stephen, mother Germaine Tipton, brother John (Bill) Tipton, nieces Kelly DiFabbio and Jessie Tipton.

A visitation service will be held on Friday, May 6 from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM at Paul Mortuary, followed by a Rosary service at San Carlos Church in Monterey at 7:00 PM.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 7 at 9:30 AM at San Carlos Church in Monterey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beacon House (Pacific Grove) or Catholic Charities (Monterey County).