Anna Mary Mouchette

Anna Mary Mouchette, a life-long educator, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and resident of Sun Lakes, AZ, laid down her earthly life, peacefully, in the early morning of June 15th, 2022, at the age of 87 in her home, surrounded by loved ones.

Anna was the beloved and respected matriarch of the Ellis Family Clan from Jackson, MS. She was the granddaughter and daughter of Methodist pastors. She was born in Jackson on November 9th, 1934, to Mary (née Ellis) and Rev. Forrest Shipes. She graduated from Wilberforce University (OH), the third HBCU in the United States, with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree, followed by a Master of Education Degree from Bank Street College of Education in New York. She worked as a kindergarten teacher and preschool director for over 30 years. In 1956, she married her remarkable and darling husband of 66 years, Edward D. Mouchette, a chaplain in the United States Army. From 1958 to 1962, they welcomed three children: Franscine, Donley, and Sherrie. They were a beautiful, patriotic, military family whose children were their pride and joy. As an officer’s wife, Anna was a sense of support and a role model on base for other military wives.

Anna loved the Lord with all her heart and was a true force of nature, an avid educator and advocate for all whom she cared for. She had a large, extended family and loving welcome mat. You could find grandkids, a niece, cousins, or a friend at her home any day. As a life-long member of the Methodist Church and pastor’s wife, she dedicated much of her time to God, prayer, and scripture…having read the Bible through-and-through. She spent her retirement helping to raise her grandchildren, Noelani and Aisia, whom she taught their ABC’s before they entered primary school. She was a hands-on grandmother (and mom), volunteering at their schools and teaching ‘Masterpiece Art’ to their classrooms for years. She never stopped being a teacher and consummate reader. She read all the Harry Potter Books! And, she loved art, gardening, and traveling the world, especially to visit family in Europe - her daughter Francine and grandchildren, Giovanni and Milena. At age 84, she traveled to Barcelona, Spain to attend her grandson’s wedding on the beautiful coast of Costa Brava, then turned around and did her annual trip to Newport Beach, CA, the following summer.

Anna is survived by her husband, Col. Edward Donley Mouchette II (Ret.); her children, Franscine Rene Mouchette of Milan, Italy; Edward Donley Mouchette III of Colorado Springs, CO; and Sherrie Lynne Mouchette-Cavalari of Phoenix, AZ; her grandchildren Giovanni Reichenbach of Barcelona, Spain and Milena Reichenbach-Alvares of Sáo Paolo, Brazil; Noelani and Aisia Freitag of Los Angeles, CA; Aaron, Michael, Frankie, Mikey, Angel, Adrian, and Amaya Mouchette of Colorado Springs, CO; and her brother, Forrest Henry Shipes of Red Oak, TX. As well as her great-grandchildren, Devon Parks, Deanna Mouchette, Serenity Eve Sandoval-Mouchette, twins Alessio & Marc Reichenbach, and Gabriella Reichenbach-Alvares. She is preceded in death by her brother, Charles Dana Shipes , parents and grandson Devon “Mitch” Mouchette.

Anna was a firecracker who was never afraid to tell it like it is. She prided honesty. All who knew her mourn the loss of her un-selfish love and wisdom. Anna’s homegoing is scheduled for 11am on Thursday, June 23rd at the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church (9248 E. Riggs Road). We ask that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Kidney Fund in her memory.

A visitation for Anna Mary will be held Wednesday, June 22, 2022 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, 10940 East Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248.

Anna’s homegoing is scheduled for 11am on Thursday, June 23rd at the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church (9248 E. Riggs Road). We ask that in lieu of flowers, to please donate to the American Kidney Fund, so that a cure to Anna’s disease may be found.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com for the Mouchette family.