Anne Patrice Waddell

Anne Patrice Waddell, 70, passed away peacefully at her home in La Jolla, California, on January 14, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her devoted husband, Jim; their two sons, Cooper (Jessica), and Jack (Anastacia); and her beloved grandchildren, Jimmy (7) and Danielle (4).

Anne was born in Bellevue, Washington, and grew up in a large family consisting of four brothers (Michael, Greg, Patrick, Peter) and one sister (Monteal). Her father was a pilot for Pan American Airlines, and her mother was a devoted and loving parent who deeply valued family.

Anne attended the Orme School in Arizona, where she excelled both academically and athletically. She was a fierce competitor in basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, and horseback riding. She later attended Sweet Briar College in Virginia, where she focused on her equestrian pursuits while studying economics. Anne graduated in 1977 with a degree in economics.

Anne enjoyed a remarkably diverse and accomplished professional life. She worked as a photographer for National Geographic and later held an executive role at Essex Corporation. In her mid-twenties, she also began a successful international career as a fashion model, appearing in billboards, automobile commercials, and fashion magazines in Tokyo, New York, and London.

Anne married George Allen Jr., son of legendary NFL coach George Allen Sr. Though the marriage was brief, it placed Anne in the center of political and cultural history. During this time, she met numerous prominent figures, including Muhammad Ali, Joe Namath, the Shah of Iran, and many Hall of Fame football players. She met five U.S. Presidents, including Ronald Reagan, who remained her favorite.

Throughout these years, Anne continued refining her artistic talents, particularly in painting and drawing. Her primary focus was horses and horse racing scenes. During the Reagan administration, she was commissioned by the White House to create a painting of President Ronald Reagan riding his favorite horse, “Little Man.” The artwork became one of only four presidential portraits selected for Reagan’s private office and now resides in the private collection of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum in Simi Valley, California.

Following the end of her first marriage, Anne relocated to San Diego, where she met the love of her life and future husband, Jim. Anne was working in an art gallery in La Jolla at the time, while Jim was employed upstairs as an executive with a Wall Street firm. Their meeting marked the beginning of a lasting partnership, and they later married and welcomed two sons, Cooper and Jack.

Anne was a deeply devoted mother who enthusiastically supported her sons, attending nearly all of their many athletic events. She was known for her warmth, encouragement, and unwavering presence in their lives. You always knew when she was in the stands – she was loud, proud, and full of love.

Anne also had a deep spiritual life. She loved angels and flowers and often spoke of feeling a spiritual presence in the home she and Jim purchased on Crystal Drive. She became an active member of the Linda Vista Presbyterian Church, where she formed a close friendship with Pastor Hayward after being encouraged by a friend to attend one of his sermons. Anne later served as a Deacon at the church and played a key role in helping create a website that allowed the wider community to access Pastor Hayward’s sermons.

Anyone who knew Anne loved her. She was the life of the party, bringing laughter, warmth and light wherever she went. She listened deeply, helped freely and gave generously of herself. Anne brought nothing but joy to those around her. Anne will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, accomplished artist, loyal friend, and generous spirit with an unmatched sense of humor. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.