Anna Marie Coley

Anna Marie Coley, a devoted wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, at the age of 56, in Tampa, Florida, surrounded by her loving family and cherished friends. Her life was a testament to strength, passion, and unwavering dedication to those she held dear.

Born in 1969 in California to a military family, Anna Marie Tannenbaum spent her early years in Germany before settling in Northern Virginia. There, she graduated from Centreville High School, where her love for horses took root. Equestrian pursuits became a cornerstone of her life, shaping her teenage years and forging a lifelong bond with her friend Lesley Swope, a friendship that spanned over four decades.

Anna pursued higher education at Longwood College before transferring to George Mason University, where she earned a degree in Communications. Her professional journey took her to Boston and Atlanta, working with prominent companies such as Sprint and SAIC, before she settled in Tampa with AT&T. In 1998, Anna met Jon Coley, and they married in 2001, blending their family with Jon’s children, Ashley and William. In 2002, their son Ethan was born, followed by their daughter Emma Grace in 2003, completing their cherished family.

In 2006, Anna and her family relocated to Wellington, Alabama, where she managed a working cattle farm and equestrian operation for 11 years. Her passion for horses led her to compete in dressage across Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Florida, earning prestigious Bronze and Silver Medals, along with numerous blue ribbons. Anna also embraced the outdoors, finding joy in fishing, deer hunting, and turkey hunting, where her competitive spirit shone brightly.

Returning to Tampa in 2016, Anna soon embarked on a new career as a real estate agent with Shorebird Properties. Her dedication and thoughtful approach earned her a reputation as a trusted advocate, building lasting relationships with clients as she helped them find their perfect homes.

In August 2022, Anna faced a diagnosis of Ocular Melanoma, a rare and aggressive cancer discovered during a routine eye exam. With characteristic determination, she sought treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, where cutting-edge Proton Beam Therapy at the University of Florida successfully treated her eye tumor. When the cancer later spread to her liver, Anna continued her fight at Moffitt Cancer Center, participating in four clinical trials with resilience. Throughout her battle, she remained vibrant, traveling to France, Italy, and southern beaches with friends, cherishing every moment. In her final weeks, Anna found comfort in the company of her horse Twyla who she raised from a foal, her beloved French Bulldog Pia, and her closest family and friends.

Anna is survived by her devoted husband, Jon Coley; her children, Ethan and Emma Grace; her stepchildren, Ashley and William; her mother, Treva Tannenbaum; and her brother, Steve Tannenbaum. She was predeceased by her father, Colonel David Tannenbaum.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 9724 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, FL 33647, on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM. A Celebration of Life will follow at Hunter’s Green Country Club, 18101 Longwater Run Dr., Tampa, FL 33647. I

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Eye on Grace Foundation (EyeonGraceFoundation.org) to support families affected by Ocular Melanoma.

Anna’s legacy of love, courage, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.