Anne Thorn Lerch

May 7, 1947 - October 13, 2017

Anne Lerch had hutspa. She loved fiercely, lived life to the absolute fullest, was honest and truthful, and anyone who met her would tell you how courageously strong she was.

After three years of a heroic battle against cancer, Anne passed away peacefully with her family at her side. Even as the illness took hold, it never dampened her spirit and she took on every setback with relentless bravery.

Anne was a 4th generation proud San Franciscan who had roots in both the investment and banking communities. She attended Madison and Hamlin schools before Columbia College. Upon her return to San Francisco, she became a political fundraiser working on the early campaigns of Diane Feinstein, Willie Brown, William Matson Roth, Milton Marks and George Moscone.

Following an automobile accident, as chance had it, Anne was referred to Allan Lerch for legal representation. Three years later, on July 3, 1976, they were married. They had two wonderful and loving children Alexis (Nordby) and Andrew Lerch. Alexis and her husband, Jason Nordby, have two fabulous children Ryder (5) and Presley (2). Anne adored her grandchildren and was well on her way to “spoiling them rotten.” They were the light of her life and the reason that she kept going. She was loved by her devoted son-in-law, Jason, her sister, Joyce Thorn, and a myriad of friends. Anne and Alexis had an especially close relationship; a mother daughter bond that Alexis will cherish always. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Anne loved San Francisco passionately and participated in the arts and culture of the city her entire life. For many years, Anne and Allan held season tickets and were donors to the San Francisco Opera and Symphony companies and they were SF Giants season ticket holders. They loved to travel and saw the world together – their most recent trip celebrated Anne’s 70th birthday in her beloved Paris earlier this year. They were each other’s best friend and true companions who recently celebrated 41 years of marriage.

Although Anne’s treatment was progressively difficult, she never complained and continued to fight with bravery and poise to the end. She received wonderful treatment at UCSF from doctors, nurses and staff members. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Helen Diller Cancer Research - Leukemia Fund at UCSF in honor of Anne.

UCSF Foundation: For the Benefit of the Helen Dillard Cancer Research -- Leukemia Fund; PO Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339

http://giving.ucsf.edu/ honor-memorial