Anatolia Hei

Anatolia (Ann) Y. Hei, 99, beloved Mother, Grandmother, and favorite Aunt to many, passed away peacefully the morning of Sunday, November 24, 2024, in a memory care facility in Arvada, CO. Ann was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014, but her strength, intellect, and sense of humor continued to shine through, and she was a favorite of her many caregivers.

Ann was one of 11 siblings born in San Fernando, Pampanga in the Philippines in July 1925. She migrated to the United States in 1959 after marrying her husband James (Jim). They were married for 51 years before he passed in 2011. Jim was in the US Air Force, so they lived in Florida, the Philippines, Michigan, and Alabama before retiring in Arizona in 1974. After 48 years of living in Glendale, she moved to Arvada, CO for the last 2 years of her life.

Ann worked for over 39 years in the US Civil Service (US Air Force and US Postal Service). While working and raising her family, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Troy State University, graduating summa cum laude. During her career, she was active in multiple organizations advocating for women in the workplace.

Ann was a devout Catholic and very active in the Lady’s Guild of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glendale. She was also an active walker, swimmer, tennis player, and loved doing arts and crafts. She loved hosting family and friends in her Arizona home. In retirement, she traveled the world, organizing trips with family and friends to: China, Egypt, Israel, Russia, France, Italy, England, Greece, Singapore, and Canada as well as many places in the US.

She is survived by son Ken/Kenny (wife, Michele) of Arvada, CO; son James/Randy of Glendale, AZ; grandchildren Jessica of Aurora, CO, and Christopher of Boulder, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Burial will take place on December 7, 2024, at 1 pm at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Avondale, AZ. A reception at the Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary in Glendale, AZ, will follow at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, we would be honored if you made a tribute donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.