I am so sorry to learn that Anna is no longer here. Anna and I worked together in Edmonton 1988-1992 and were supports for each other during the time we each had our first child. Anna was a strong and empathic person; we shared many interests, from cooking to science, from stem cell biology to cancer treatment.

I read about Anna in Self magazine and only now thought to recheck on her journey. It is with a sad heart I learned she left us. What a tragic loss not only to her adoring family but to all of us. The passion with which she founght against this awful disease (I lost my mother 21 yrs ago to) was a gift to all of us with the knowledge and inspiration it provided. Losing someone you love so much only provides one with the knowledge that you can never lose them in your heart'¦there she will remain & live on in you.

To the family of Anna Masellis,
 
I contacted Anna in 2007 because my husband had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Dec. 2006. He responded very well to the initial innovative chemo treatments, and I was searching for additional treatments that might continue to be helpful for him. I read an article about Anna's wonderful success and reached out to her. I was a complete stranger, but she responded to me with warmth and kindness and was very helpful in sharing her vast knowledge of treatments that had helped her. My last contact with Anna was in July, 2008 shortly after my husband died from this dreadful cancer. After my husband passed away, I had lost touch with Anna. I just learned about Anna's passing, and I am profoundly saddened. I would like her family to know how very helpful Anna was to me and to my husband. I send you all my deepest condolences on this tragic loss.
 
Sincerely,
 Beverly Roberts

Dear Matthew, Danielle, and Mrs. Masellis,
 I learned today of Anna's passing. I had left several messages on her cell in the last month and yesterday left a message at the house. I got a call back telling me of her passing.
 Anna and I were friends when we both started working at Cooks of Crocus Hill nine years ago. She was a wiz at cooking and she was lots of fun to work with. We took walks most mornings around the neighborhood when she lived on Holly. And I remember how excited she would get when 'the kids' were coming, or her Mom and Dad. She loved you all so much and clearly thought you were the very best kids and parents. We had a great time driving out to Maine together and she so wanted to have you see the coast of Maine.
 Later, when she bought her house, we had fun finding furnishings for your bedrooms. I know she bought the house so she would have more room for you to come to live. Never doubt that she loved you more than anything. She was a good friend to me and I have missed her and will continue to miss her for a very long time. If I can ever help you out, just let me know. Penny Tonry

Dear Maria, Danielle, and Matthew: 

Our family loved Anna. We are blessed to have known her. She is an inspiration to me and one of my daughters, now 9, after meeting her as a 4 year old, decided to 'be a scientist' as a result and still wants to be one, just like you'¦ I knew Anna from working at VPCI on a temporary assignment. We hit it off one day in passing, and, became friends'¦I was always envious of her killer arms'¦Everyone should learn to have such beautiful muscles in their arms! I cherish going out to coffee, coming over with Andrew my spouse, and our girls to visit while he did handy man work while our kids ran up and down both sides of your stairs all around the house! I miss you dear Anna, and I will pray for you and hope you will pray for all of us that are still here'¦It never will hurt us to have a friend in heaven helping us down here'¦Thank you Maria, Danielle and Matthew for sharing your mom with all of us who knew her'¦We will keep your family in our prayers and love always'¦

Thank you all from the bottom of my and my families heart. 

My mother touched many people and to hear all these stories is an inspiration for my sister and I to keep our chins up and our hearts high even though at this time such things seem impossible. 

My mother will always with us, she was and will ever be the most perfect thing in my life. To be 1/1000000th of the person she was is my only wish in life.
 
I wish I could thank you all personally and discuss in depth stories about my mother, but I do not have the contact info required. If you would like to contact me, share some stories or let me give thanks my e-mail address is mksmith@shaw.ca.
 
Again, thank you all, you have no idea what your words mean to us.
 
With Love,
 Matthew Masellis-Smith.

Dear Mrs Masellis, Matthew and Danielle,
 
I know you likely won't remember me. I was a good friend of Anna's when the kids were young (in Edmonton). I often helped her out with the kids and was over at her house in Riverbend frequently. I meet you on a few occasions. We lost touch when she moved to Minnesota and I tried to find her again last fall (emailed every email I could find with her name) but didn't reach her. I am deeply saddened by her passing. I remember Anna as a lively, free spirited woman. She taught me so much about the world of science (I was a graduate student when she was a post-doc in the same lab). We shared both the fun times and the not-so-fun times while she was in Edmonton.
 
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids.
 
Sincerely,
 Stacey Bleoo (nee Hume)

My first contact with Anna was in early 2007. My own mother in Denmark had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Feb 2006 and through my research I came across a report on Annas brave approach which was so radically different to the standard methods used globally.
 I took the liberty of contacting Anna who was very forthcoming and this was the beginning of several long telephone conversations in which she gave me guidance and advise on many issues relating to my mothers condition.
 In particular I would like to mention that Anna guided me through my mums last hours in a danish hospital via the telphone. To this day I still cannot grasp how she had the strength and reserves to do this for me ' especially as we had never met in person.
 After my moms passing we still kept in contact and discussed the possibility of a trip to Denmark to meet Oncologists and create awareness of Pancreatic cancer.
 
I invited Anna to spend some time at our summerhouse on the Danish coast as a thank you for all the support she gave me during this extremely difficult time. Sadly this never became a reality and I didnt manage to meet Anna in person. I would like to keep this invitation open to her family who will always be welcome if the opportunity arises.
 Her time for other people despite her own condition I have never experienced before and has taught me how to be a better person. Anna has truly been unique and inspiring.
 
I am running the London Marathon on April 26th in memory of my mother.Anna will be in my thoughts especially on this day http://www.justgiving.com/tyroll
 
Eva Borst Tyroll

My thoughts and prayers are with all Anna Maria's family, especially with her children, her mother, zia Ada & Zio Silvano. May her lovely memory give you strength at this difficult time. 

Sincerely, Nilla

Sunday, Jan. 11, more than 150 people whose lives were touched by Anna gathered to remember and honor her. We told stories, wept and laughed. There were moments of Greek Orthodox liturgy and chanting, Greek folk dances of mourning, tales of Anna's brilliance told by scientists, writers, gourmet cooks, and a variety of admirers. We remembered her intensity, her joyful songs, her beautiful shoes, her loyal friendship, her fierce opinions, her curling hair, her witty conversation, her too-brief time with us. We enjoyed delicious foods and raised toasts to dear Anna's memory. Thank you to Maria, Danielle, and Matthew for allowing us in Minnesota to share precious time with Anna.

It is with very great sadness that Barb and I learn Anna left us to be with our Lord in heaven. Barb was diagnosed with stage IV Pancreatic Cancer in May of this year. We did not know Anna well, but, in the brief conversations we had with Anna, she was of great and tremendous help to us. She gave us moments of her valuable time, and in those brief moments we received quiet leadership, advice, direction, hope and peace, in our struggles with this devastating disease. We miss her, and we miss the knowledge, kindness, love and courage she lived, expressed and sent our way. She was and represented for us, the very best of humanity on this earth, in so many ways. She was our angel.
 
Mark and Barb Quade

Dear Mrs. Masellis (Maria),
 
I apologize for not writing earlier, news reached me only yesterday. My heartfelt condolences to you, Mathew and Danielle.
 
I was sad, but also inspired by Anna's courage and disposition through all of it, starting the day in May when the three of us drove to the hospital for her surgery. Our dear Anna was gifted in so many ways and has left a wonderful legacy in her children, her foundation and the work she did. It is sad that she was taken from us so fast, but she certainly made her family and friends proud. 

Love
 
Carla

I did not know Anna, but I had read her story in the December 2007 issue of Self magazine. I saved the article as I found it very inspiring. Tonight while watching an interview with Patrick Swayze I fished out the article and decided to search for an update on Anna. I am deeply, deeply saddened to learn of her passing. I hope you know her story was far reaching and touched those who didn't even know her. It was clear Anna was a woman full of life, strength and courage. Please accept my condolences for your loss.

I had the pleasure of making Anna's acquaintance when I filled in for an injured player on Anna's team from the Twin Cities for the national women's team squash championships. Anna immediately made me feel so welcome and we shared a very fun week-end in Boston . My condolences to all her family and friends. Clealry Anna's spirit lives on all those whose lives she touched with such enthusiasm and energy.

Dear Maria, Danielle, Matthew and everybody who loved Anna.
 Please accept my condolences. The unimaginable happened and the world is a poorer place. She will always be an inspiration to me in all aspects of life, work and death.
 I miss Anna and think of her very often. I find help in the thoughts that I am just one of many who mourne her, that I was one of the lucky ones who got to know her and that she was in the wonderful care of Maria and her family.
 Arno

I only knew Anna briefly through her involvement with the Greek dance group but was immediately impressed with her kindness and friendliness. I am saddened to hear of Anna's passing and send my condolences to her family and friends.

My deep condolences to all who knew and still love Anna.
 She was both a scientist and an artist. I cherish her counsel, her warmth and her passion.
 She is, to me, a valued colleague and friend with whom I was privileged to shared many talks, walks, wonderful meals and glasses of wine.

As I know Anna's family and friends are aware, Anna always lived life to the fullest and added a spark of fun to everything she did. I had the pleasure to work with her during her days at 3M. I worked on a project with her and will always remember with a smile her and I driving back and forth to Mayo Clinic singing B.B.-King songs. It was always a pleasure to see her smiling face and I looked forward to everyday I had the chance to work with her. She will be greatly missed and always loved.
 
Cathryn Lloyd

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Anna.
 She was a talented and courageous young woman and will be
 sadly missed by everyone who knew her.
 My condolences to her mother, children, family members and
 to her dancing family in the Twin Cities.
 May she rest in peace.
 Tessie Bourdamis

My thoughts are with Anna's family, especially her children and mother, during this sad, sad time. I knew Anna through book group in Minnesota, and I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed her wit, intelligence, and enthusiam. She will be greatly missed. 

Thinking of you all.
 
Kate

To Anna's Mother, Matthew & Danielle please accept our very deepest heartfelt sympathy. My husband Craig is a 'pancreatic survivor' and fellow patient of Dr Gail Bender. He first spoke w/your Mom when she was hospitalized and ready to begin treatment. Since that day, she has been an inspiration, a 'life line' and a dear friend. Her loss to us is truly beyond words. Craig continues the battle against this disease thanks to your Mother! We know she will be with us from above but we share your great sorrow here on earth. Your Mother loved you very much Matthew & Danielle and when she spoke of you and her Mother, that is what mattered most in her life and her fight for life. You can be so proud of her!

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. May God's love carry you threw your time of sorrow. With love, Marian d'Oliveira

Siamo affranti dalla notizia della morte di Anna, in questi anni ci aveva abituato a pensare a lei come una persona talmente forte che nessun male poteva distruggere.
 
Non riusciamo a pensare di non poterla incontrare, trascorrere con lei una bella giornata per parlare delle persone che amava, dei progetti che aveva, delle speranze che coltivava.
 
L'abbiamo amata come un'amica sincera in vita, e a dispetto della distanza ci scambiavamo sempre un pensiero e un saluto.
 
Il suo sorriso e il suo ricordo ci accompagnerÃ  per tutta la vita e continueremo ad amarla come un'amica lontana, ma che un giorno speriamo di rivedere.
 
Maurizio e Rosanna (e il piccolo NiccolÃ² che non aveva mai incontrato ma aveva giÃ  iniziato ad amare)

I knew Anna such a short time, but she made a deep impression. She was generous and strong and funny and brave. I'm grateful to have known her. The Minnesota Squash community will not be the same without her vibrant presence. My heartfelt condolences to her beautiful children and the rest of her loving family.

I feel honored to have known Anna, it was at a pancreatic cancer seminar that myself and my husband first heard Anna speak of her diagnosis. My husband had recently been diagnosed himself with pancreatic cancer and our spirit was broken and we didn't know which way to turn. But listening to Anna tell her story, my husband and I found a renewed strength and hope to move forward and fight just as Anna had. God bless Anna for her determination and fight to find a cure for this horrible disease. It's because of Anna's endless determination and efforts that my husband lived as long as he did with pancreatic cancer. For that I am forever grateful to Anna and Dr. Bender. My deepest heartfelt condolences to Anna's children and family. Anna was truly an angel, may you find peace in her eternal memory.

My Dear Anna,
 I will miss the time we spent together going to dinner or for drinks or to a movie and dancing together. I will especially miss our deep conversations and the laughs.
 Anthony will miss the 'ribbing' on who has the better hockey teams, US or Canada.
 Our love goes out to Danielle, Matt, and Maria.
 May her memory be eternal.
 Elaine and Anthony

Condoglianze che il Signore ti da conforto e che lei riposa in pace

My deepest sympathy at your loss. May her wonderful memory give you strength.

It is with a heavy heart we all say goodbye to Anna. She will have left such an incredible story behind and a band of soldiers who will continue her fight'¦our fight to find a cure for this terrible cancer. May her drive always be an inspiration to us as we care for those, fight for those and pray become not those with pancreatic cancer. Her insight has helped us this far and now we will pray she will take it to a higher level as she guides us now from above. Maria, you have surely earned your earthly wings with your tireless support of Anna during these difficult times. My thoughts and prayers are with you all~

Words cannot express my sense of loss with Anna passing away. I worked with her for 4 years and one thing that constantly inspired me was her fighting spirit. She is gone, but her memories will continue to be a source of strength to me.
 My sincere condolences to Anna's family and friends'¦..Anna's memory will be eternal.

On behalf of the parish community of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota, I offer our sympathies to all of you, her family. We offer as well our prayers to God for the repose of Anna's soul among His Saints. May He forgive her sins and grant her a place of rest where there is no pain, sorrow or suffering. May her memory be eternal! +Fr. Rick
 http://www.stgeorgegoc.org

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Dr. Anna provided so much hope and strength to my uncle and his wife (Mark and Sandy Ray) during Mark's own battle with pancreatic cancer '” she was an expert, a mentor, a friend, and an angel to them, and in turn to all of us affected. I hope her family finds pride and solace in knowing that her time here was used in such a precious way.
 In Gratitude,
 Angie Ray Behnke

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and relatives.
 We can only express our sadness at the passing of Dr. Masellis.
 
On behalf of Pietro's friends in Rotary.
 
Bob Davies
 President
 Rotary Club of Burnaby Deer Lake.

Heartfelt sympathy as we are sadden to hear of the passing of a very special person, Anna-Maria. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God give you strength & peace.

Anna was my friend and writing partner. We met in a writing class, and joked about how different we were'she the analytical scientist, and I the emotional artist. We were a perfect match. We would meet in coffee houses and trade our pieces to have the other edit, change, or comment. I trusted Anna. I respected her, and I loved her. She was a wonderful friend. She was beautiful inside and out, she was feisty (I once told her about something a doctor had said to me that was troubling to me and, oh, my goodness, that doctor was very lucky not to have been around when my friend let loose on him!) She was brave and generous, lovely and fun. We had a great time. I was lucky to have met her wonderful family and her precious children (she wrote beautiful pieces about you, you know, and showed me your picture long before I had the opportunity to meet you). I told Anna that I would help get her work published if she couldn't, and that is still true. I will be here if you ever want my help. Anna meant so much to me, as I know she did to all of her friends. I feel enormously lucky to have had a chance to know her and to have her as my friend. I will miss her very much, and she will remain forever in my memory and in my heart. I extend my greatest condolences to you, her beloved family. You are in my prayers.
 With love,
 Wendy Henry

So sad to see such a precious asset to our Country leave us so early.

I am so sorry to Anna's family and children. Words really cannot express the pain and sadness you must be feeling at the loss of Anna. She was a wonderful and courageous person, who fought a brave battle. She will be remembered and missed. My condolences and may God bless you and shine upon you during your time of grief and suffering.

My thoughts are with you and your family . I met Anna through Lucia in St. Paul and spent many a wonderful hour with them eating,laughing, and talking about the state of the world. She taught me ways to cook couscous that encouraged me to do so. Anna's loss is not only a loss to her friends and family but to the greater community. Again my thoughts are withyou.

I am so saddened to hear of Annaa,s passing. She has helped me so much during my own illness, and her memory continues to help me even now. She was so cour.ageous and inspiring, And she was a dear friend to me. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you'those I had the pleasure to meet, and those I didn't, during this most difficult time.

I am sad to hear my friend Anna has passed away. I grew up with Anna, we were good friends in elementary and high school. We spent many hours laughing and having a good time together. She will always be apart of my childhood and young adult life. I laugh when I think that she trusted me to cut her beautiful curly hair, and it was great of her to encourage me to become a hairdresser. I send out my condolences to the family and friends that have lost such a beautiful person inside and out.

I never met Anna Masellis, but none the less, she was very kind to me. After my diagnosis with multiple myeloma, I was told of her research into my disease. We corresponded by email and she shared information about her research and what was happening in the field. This was all at a time that she was struggling with her own pancreatic cancer. I will always remember Anna as a person who gave me hope and courage.

It was a shock to read of Anna's death. My thoughts are with you, Maria, having lost your husband, and now Anna, and with Larry and Danny. It has been my pleasure knowing your family over the years, but great sadness to hear of your loss.

I first met Anna Masellis in April, 2008 since she wanted to become involved with the newly established Italian Cultural Center(ICC) in Minneapolis. From the first interaction with her we realized how gifted and generous she is. In June she was writing grants and and taking upon herself the coordination of the first Italian Film Festival in town. Only a month ago, at the end of November, she finished another grant to NIAF, this time for the Film Festival which has been just dedicated to her.
 
Anna Masellis has also been elected an Honorary member of the board of the ICC. She is a most important driving force having helped bring the first grant money to the organization. Thanks to her we have already purchased a digital projector (from the $1500 library grant) which is being used to show movies at a monthly club for children Il Cinemino. An Italian library will be built as well. Her enthusiasm and strong belief in the ICC has helped all of us during some difficult periods in 2008.
 
Anna Masellis, passion and efforts have made the organization better and she is loved and admired by everyone at the ICC who met her. We miss her'¦'¦..

Anna touched my life in so many ways, from the first day that I met her as a patient to the last days that I took care of her. Her never ending strength has been an inspiration to me as I care for other patients with pancreas cancer. She made me smile on so many occasions with her take charge attitude toward the challenge of pancreas cancer. She was always there to help me with the constant questions about the disease process. I remember seeing her at the PanCan bike ride two years ago, riding 25 miles while getting chemo. She smiled like she was on top of the world! To her mom, I want to say, you must miss her terribly, but you cared for her through it all! What a wonderful lady you are! We will miss her so much.

I am heart-stricken with this news, despite having known Anna for no more than several months. Her enthusiasm and generosity of spirit were exemplary. My heartfelt sympathies go out to Anna's family. She will doubtless live on in the minds of any who had the fortune of knowing her.

To All of Anna's family & friends:
 I could never stop thinking about Anna since I met her shortly after her diagnosis. Now, I think about her constantly. A truly gifted, kind, smart and generous person has been taken from us, but we will all continue to build on what Anna has acheived. She amazed me at her courage to stand up and not only be an advocate for pancreatic cancer, but also used herself for trials to advance the science of this disease, and always with a smile and great shoes.
 
I am honored to have met Anna and her mother Maria. Please know that while I continue to do my part in the fight against pancreatic cancer, I do it with visions of Anna's smile and the love in Maria's eyes for her daughter.
 
Toni Dachis
 PanCAN Affiliate Coordinator
 Twin Cities

I never stopped thinking about Anna since meeting her shortly after her diagnosis. Now, I think about her constantly. Anna was truly a gifted, kind, smart and generous woman. I was amazed at her courage to stand up and speak about her experience with pancreatic cancer. Not only was she an amazing advocate, but she used her own self for trials to advance the science. Anna was taken way too soon, but because of all she accomplished, we can all continue to advance what Anna already started. I am honored to have met Anna and her mother Maria. Please know that while I continue to do my part in the fight against pancreatic cancer I will always do so with visions of Anna's smile, courage and the love in Maria's eyes for her daughter.
 
Toni Dachis
 Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
 Twin Cities Affiliate Coordinator

I am very sorry to hear about Dr. Anna's passing. It saddens me to see another life taken by this terrible disease. I am grateful for all the work that is being done to find a cure for pancreatic cancer. My mom died of PC after a long fight like your mom's. I know it must have been hard to see your mom suffer. Remember that your mom is in a better place where there is no drugs and no more pain. I hope in the coming days ahead you and your family find peace and happiness in all the memories of your Mom.

Feisty, audacious, provocative with a flare for great entries and dynamic presence in our lives. A restless achiever unafraid of self-examination and boundless love. My heart is so grateful to the extended Masellis family that shared her with us that even as we grieve together in spirit we know that she is in a better place done with battle, eased and at peace. I kiss you all.

I will miss Anna's enthusiasm for life and especially for squash. May she rest in peace and my prayers are with her family, especially are with her children.

I am so sorry that such a young and talented woman has been taken by this hideous disease'¦. especially since she was fighting in the battle to find a cure for it. Not only have those of you who were in her world lost a mother, daughter, sister and friend, but the rest of the world has lost a valuable warrior in this battle. I, too, have been wounded in the battle: I lost my wonderful husband of 43 years to this disease on June 23 of this year. We prayed vigilantly to be lead to a cure as we used alternative treatments along with the conventional treatments. God blessed us with an additional two years beyond the original prognosis, but a healing did not happen. I pray for you the same as I pray for myself: for strength and peace that surpasses all understanding.

I heard Anna speak about her disease at Virginia Piper a couple of years ago when my dad was fighting the disease. He, too, passed away from the disease, but the fight he waged continued through Anna. Her children, other family, and friends must be proud of her! I am so sorry the disease won, but I am sure the work she has done will help so many others and soon this disease will not take another victim. God bless.

I have never met your mom but had discussions with her via e-mail. My cousin had pancreatic cancer and your mother was so kind and helpful with regards to new information. I am soo sorry for your loss. I wish your whole family the strength to go on and find peace.

OBITUARIO

Anna Maria Masellis

23 octubre, 1964 – 25 diciembre, 2008

Bell & Burnaby Funeral Chapel

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