We lost a brilliant, creative mind, and a tremendous force of nature when Anna Saban died on June 10, 2018. She was a loving daughter, sister and friend, and fiercely loyal to those with whom she was associated. Anna was known to stop and help anyone who needed her help, to be a compassionate listener and a very caring co-worker. Her sense of creativity was un-matched and it was always amazing to watch it unfold as Anna saw the world through a different lens. She was also wickedly funny, and we will all miss that sense of humor. We love her dearly and she will leave a searing hole in our hearts.
Anna was born on March 14, 1985 and raised in Evergreen, Colorado. As a young girl, Anna was not a typical "princess, doll- playing girl", unless you count becoming an "Indian" princess. Barbie dolls were just around to have when other friends came over. Anna enjoyed living in her imagination, making "projects" and then putting them into play. Once Anna spent the weekend researching the various kinds of clowns (clowns have their origins in the history of the gypsy, or Roma culture.) She then chose which culturally correct clown best fit her personality, scoured all through the house, through the dress-up clothes, everybody else's clothes, etc. and we created, make-up included, a culturally correct Clown outfit for Anna.
One of Anna's most favorite summers was when she was about 9 and we bought a new washer and dryer. Anna homesteaded the boxes to play in. She duct- taped the boxes together and made herself a "house" with them in the garage and lived in them during the day. She cut out windows, had a radio/CD player, lamp, books, blanket and pillow, anything that you could possibly image in that house. She would have slept out there if we would have let her.
From the age of 3, Anna played sports, and played them well. She excelled at soccer, softball, track and field, and basketball. She played soccer throughout college, and graduate school, coaching youth soccer and softball as an adult as well. But soccer was her main love. She played soccer on the day that she passed away. It was always her sanctuary, from age 3 to age 33.
It will probably surprise those of you who play soccer with her now that Anna was not always to competitive and fearless. As a young girl on a competitive team, Anna was very hesitant to bump into another player for fear that she might get a yellow card. Anna always followed the rules, and did not want to get "in trouble". Her coaches were pushing her to become more aggressive on the field as they needed her to use her size and strength, but she didn't want to break the rules. I made a deal with her: the first time that she got a yellow card I would buy her a new -shirt (Anna loved T-shirts!). It still took quite a while, but she finally scored a yellow card. Still, all through middle school and high school, I think that Anna only received 3 yellow cards. Her ability to become more aggressive was developed in college.
Valedictorian of her high school class, she was the Scholar Athlete of the Year, captaining all three of the sports that she played: softball, basketball and soccer. Anna received her Bachelors' Degree from Pacific to University, and her Masters' Degree from the University of Denver, both in International Studies. Anna traveled to western China during her junior year of school and absolutely adored the culture. She continued her interest in far Eastern studies after that. Fluent in Mandarin already, she learned translation in Hmong and Korean as well. Anna has worked in the linguistics field for many years now, currently employed for Next Level Golbalizatoin.
Anna leaves behind a mother Barbara, brothers Jay, Casey and Anthony who will all love and miss her every day, and many loving friends and loving colleagues.
Anna's memorial is on the 22nd at Olinger Mortuary, 7777 29th Street in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. From 1:30 to 4:00 we will all be sharing stories about the Anna we knew and loved. Anyone who would like to come and celebrate Anna's life and share a story, or just come and listen is welcome to attend. We would love to have you. We only ask that you don't wear suits or wear black as this is a celebration. We look forward to seeing you and hearing your stories
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