Anne Kroeger, a beloved member of the Piedmont, California community, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, kindness, and civic engagement. Her life was a testament to service, intellectual curiosity, and deep love for family and friends. Those who knew her will remember not just her accomplishments, but the way she made others feel valued, supported, and inspired.
Born in 1948 in Berkeley, California, Anne was the second of three children. Raised in a home that encouraged education and community service, she developed a strong moral compass and a passion for helping others from an early age. Her father, a professor at the University of California, and her mother, a dedicated volunteer in several local charities, instilled in Anne the values that would guide her throughout her life.
Anne graduated from Berkeley High School in 1966 and went on to attend Stanford University, where she majored in English Literature. Her time at Stanford was transformative. It was there that she not only cultivated a love for literature and the arts but also began volunteering with local literacy programs, tutoring children from underserved communities. Her work during these years laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to education and equity.
After earning her degree, Anne worked as a high school English teacher in Oakland for over two decades. Her classroom was a space of encouragement, creativity, and thoughtful dialogue. Students often spoke of her as the teacher who made them believe in themselves, who pushed them to think critically, and who never gave up on anyone. She was known for staying after school to help students who were struggling, organizing poetry nights, and even creating a mentorship program that connected students with local authors and journalists.
Anne married David Kroeger in 1978, a fellow educator and a man who shared her love of books, hiking, and community work. Together, they settled in Piedmont and raised two children, Emily and Paul. Anne was a devoted mother, the kind who attended every school play, coached soccer teams, and made time to listen—really listen—no matter how busy life became. Her home was always open to her children’s friends, who often described her as a second mom.
Beyond her career and family, Anne’s impact on the Piedmont community was profound. She served on the Piedmont Education Foundation, led local reading groups, and organized annual community book drives. Her most notable contribution came through her work with the Piedmont Public Library, where she was instrumental in expanding its youth programs and advocating for the inclusion of diverse authors in its collections.
Anne believed deeply in the power of words and stories to change lives. Whether she was reading to children at the library or facilitating book discussions among retirees, she brought people together through shared experiences and thoughtful reflection. Her voice, calm yet passionate, could often be heard encouraging dialogue across generational, cultural, and political lines.
Friends and colleagues describe Anne as someone who radiated empathy and intelligence. She had a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life and a gentle strength that inspired others to step up and contribute. Anne never sought recognition for her efforts—she simply did what she felt was right, always quietly leading by example.
In her later years, Anne took up gardening, finding joy and peace in tending to her backyard filled with California natives and rose bushes. She also began painting, something she had always wanted to explore. Her watercolor landscapes now hang in the homes of friends and family, a reflection of her love for beauty and nature. She was also a grandmother by then, and nothing delighted her more than reading bedtime stories to her grandchildren or baking cookies with them on rainy afternoons.
Anne faced her final illness with the same grace and courage that characterized her life. Even during her most challenging days, she continued to write letters to friends, attend local events when possible, and express gratitude for the life she lived. In her final weeks, her home was filled with visitors—former students, neighbors, fellow teachers—who came to share memories, laughter, and tears. Each person carried a story of how Anne had touched their lives.
Her family has expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of support from the community. “She was the heart of our family,” said her daughter Emily. “But we’ve learned she was also the heart of this community in ways we never fully realized. We are humbled and grateful.”
Anne Kroeger’s passing is a tremendous loss to Piedmont and beyond. But her spirit lives on in the lives she touched and the values she championed. Her legacy is one of service, kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength. In a world too often focused on accolades and recognition, Anne Kroeger’s life is a reminder that true greatness lies in compassion, consistency, and the courage to care deeply.
She is survived by her husband David, her children Emily and Paul, four grandchildren; her brother Michael, and countless friends and former students whose lives were forever changed by her presence.
A memorial service will be held at Piedmont Community Church next month, where friends and family will gather to celebrate Anne’s remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to local education and literacy programs—causes that Anne held dear.
As the Piedmont community remembers Anne, it is clear she leaves behind not just a memory, but a movement—a call to live with empathy, to uplift others, and to never underestimate the power of a single life lived with purpose.
