Anne Leonilla Delfosse

Anne was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to Alfred and Sally Schammel. She was the beloved sister of Katherine and her brothers, Greg, and Tom. Anne is survived by Mike, her husband of 43 years, her daughter, Sarah and her sons, Sean and Gregory. She was also the pride and joy of her five grandchildren: Brooklyn, Russell Michael, Jolee, Claire, and Sean Patrick. Her son- and daughters-in-law—Russell, Kristen, and Allison—were cherished like her own children.

A woman of remarkable character and many talents, Anne lived a vibrant and active life. She recently joined a Mahjong card group, participated in two book clubs, and began singing with the Saddleback Community College Choral Group. She was also a passionate athlete who trained daily and loved to run.

Anne discovered her love for running at age 50 when she joined the Snail’s Pace running group. Not long after, she completed her first half marathon. Encouraged by friends who admired her spirit and determination, she entered her first full marathon. Over the next 17 years, Anne completed 26 marathons—including; New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and nine Boston Marathons!

Anne loved to travel. Recent adventures took her to Portugal, where she walked the Camino Pilgrimage with a close friend, and to Ireland for cooking classes with her work friends.

She attended Saint Angela’s Catholic Grade School, Rosary High School, Cypress Community College, and Chapman University, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Communicative Disorders. Anne dedicated her life to helping others through her work as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Her career began at the Speech and Language Development Center in Buena Park and continued at HOPE High School in Anaheim, the Capistrano Unified School District, and the West Orange County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA).

Anne was honored to be elected President of the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CSHA), a position she held with pride and humility. She was also a lifelong member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and served for a decade as a State SELPA Director. Anne was a passionate advocate, frequently traveling to Sacramento and Washington, D.C., to support legislation for her profession and for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Anne’s legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, her many dear friends, her running and travel companions, and the countless colleagues and students whose lives she touched throughout California. She will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune to know her and be part of her life.

A memorial mass for Anne will be held Friday, May 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Saint Timothy Church, 29102 Crown Valley Pkwy,, Laguna Niguel, CA.