Anastacia Hope Nessif

Anastacia Hope Bowden Nessif died early Sunday morning, April 29, 2012, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio after a lengthy illness. Although she was a lifelong resident of Toledo, Ohio, Anna was born October 12, 1971 in Columbus, Indiana. She graduated from St. Ursula Academy in 1989 and from Indiana University in 1993 with a Bachelors of Science in Interior Design with honors. While attending Indiana University she was an active member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Upon graduation Anna returned to Toledo and began working for Arhaus Furniture, quickly becoming store manager. She moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1995 to be with her fianc Peter E. Nessif as he completed dental school at The Ohio State University. During her time in Columbus with Peter she worked at the Columbus Arhaus Furniture store. In 1996 Anna returned to Toledo with Peter as he began his dental practice with his father Terrance E. Nessif. Peter and Anna were married June 14, 1997. She then worked for Style Rite Lighting until she retired to have her first child in 1999. Being a mom was Annas favorite occupation and her most fulfilling job. When Lauren, her youngest child, was old enough for pre-school, Anna began working at the Childs Day Out program at Epworth United Methodist Church as a teacher. Anna loved this job because she could work with children and her children were there in the program as well. Anna worked as a pre-school teacher at Epworth until her cancer treatment forced her second retirement. After multiple cancer recurrences Anna retired permanently from working to concentrate on her health and her biggest love-being mom to Sam, Myles, and Lauren. Anna was able to live her dream by being a stay at home mom for her three children Sam, Myles, and Lauren. In her free time she enjoyed reading, decorating, and attending her childrens activities. She also liked to travel, especially to Harbor Springs, Michigan and Seabrook Island, South Carolina. Anna was an inspiration to her family, displaying the courage of a warrior throughout her illness. She was not only an active member of Epworth United Methodist Church but served her community in many ways. She was a member of the Junior League, volunteered at Sylvania Franciscan Academy and contributed to several charitable organizations until she was forced to concentrate on the treatment of her illness fulltime. Anna is lovingly survived by her husband and high school sweetheart, Dr. Peter Nessif; their three children, Sam age 13, Myles age 10 and Lauren age 8; mother, Teresa Betts Cobau Dr. Charles Cobau; brother, Nathan Bowden; grandparents, Feroen and Margaret Betts; half-sister, Jessica Bowden; step mother, Carol Bowden; in-laws, Patricia Talbut and Dr. Terry and Natalie Nessif; and loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Anna was preceded in death by her father, Richard Bowden, and her paternal grandparents, Robert and Ruth Bowden. Family and friends will be received at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd. on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 4, 2012 at Epworth United Methodist Church, 3077 Valleyview Drive, Toledo, with interment to follow at Toledo Memorial Park. Contributions in Annas name can be made to The American Cancer Society or to Hospice of Northwest Ohio. The family wishes to thank all whom have helped in Annas journey. Special thanks to all at the Hickman Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic and Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Very special thanks to Dr. Rex Mowat. They all helped make a difficult journey easier.