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Hi Annie, I just want to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences regarding the passing of your beautiful mother. You were blessed with a wonderful mother and you have been an incredible daughter. May she rest in peace and may you be comforted by the lovely memories you shared.

I have been following you for years now since you first appeared in a cooking demo presented by The Kensington Sierra Madre where my mom was living at the time. Then I had the pleasure of meeting you at your book signing near my home in Corte Madera, CA. I relate to your mom’s story because my mom has unfortunately followed the same course. My mom was born in 1936, like your mother & she also has Italian roots. She has suffered from this Alzheimer for 10+ years. Starting her on palliative care just this week was a heart wrenching decision for me. I appreciate all the great information you share and hope to spare myself and my family from the same fate, as Alzheimer’s runs on the maternal side of my family.

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Nov 23Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Deeply touched, and shedding tears, reading this. I do not know what it is like to lose a loved one to Alzheimer’s. But I do know what it means to lose one’s mother. My heart reaches out to you with support and caring, as you and the family absorb this greatest of losses. Thank you for sharing your and your mom’s stories. 💔🙏🏻

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Thank you Chere for your heartfelt and kind words.

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Nov 22Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Annie, I’m, just getting caught up on last weekend’s emails and wishing this note weren’t so belated. I have heard you talk about your mom from the time I met you, and I have appreciated all your sharing as the journey with her progressed. As I live with my own dad’s long dementia decline, you have pointed out ways to find joy while also taking meaningful action - letting our parents inspire the best in us along the way. This series of small deaths, the long good bye, is a tiring challenge, but it also presents opportunities for growth and love. My dad was always heavy on the ‘right’ logical response to a situation, even those that called for the opposite style response. Now, the logic is usually unavailable, and he talks in the simplest and most heartfelt terms about how much he loves and appreciates us. Of course, this affection is often preceded by a lot of cussing and complaining about having to shower or dress in clean clothes - the disease speaks amid the love.

You and your mom are in my prayers - may you find many unexpected gifts among the experiences of grief. And how cool that a ‘spry’ old Franciscan monk did the graveside service! Sign me up for that.

Gratefully,

Tom

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Hi Tom, it is so great to hear from you. I am sending so much love to you and your dad, and your whole family. I think you are paying attention to the right things, gleaning the unexpected moments of joy. But it is all so hard as you know. I am here for you.

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Nov 20Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Annie, I loved reading about your mother. I know she must have been so proud of you. You are doing such wonderful work to help spread the word that Brain Health can be achieved by eating delicious foods. My mother, too, is struggling with swiftly advancing Alzheimer's and it is a difficult journey for all to witness, especially as a daughter and caregiver. Your recipes and emails inspire me and fill me up with healthy food, which, I hope, will allow me and my family to not end up dealing with Alzheimer's down the road. Thank you! I wish you and your family peace.

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Thank you Margaret, and I am so sorry to hear your mom is also suffering. My heart goes out to you.

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What a beautiful tribute Annie. My heart goes out to you and aches for this loss. I can't imagine how painful it is to say goodbye to a person that meant so much to you. Sharing a quote that I hope brings you comfort: "The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life." Sending all of my love.

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That's beautiful Brooke. Thanks you for the kind thoughts and words. xoxo

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Nov 20Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Annie.

What a strong, inspirational and admirable woman your mother was - seems you have inherited all these qualities from her.

She's also blessed to have had you as her daughter,

How lovely that you have these wonderful memories to keep her alive within you.

Warmest wishes to you.

Joanne

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Thank you Joanne.

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Nov 20Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

What a beautiful story. You were lucky to have had each other. 🤗💔

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Thank you Susie.

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We don't really know each other Annie, but I feel like I do, and I am sorry for you loss. Your mum would be immensely proud of you and all you do to help everyone understand, prevent, and manage brain health.

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You are so kind, Nicola. Thank you.

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Nov 19Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

My deepest sympathy to you and your family Dr.Annie Fenn on the passing of your beloved mother. May she rest in peace. She surely must have been an exceptional individual being the mother of such an incredible daughter. God bless you for sharing all your knowledge regarding cognitive health but I’m also most grateful for the memories you shared about your Mom.

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Thank you Hope.

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Nov 18Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Dear Dr. Annie, I am so sorry sorry for your loss. Having met you just a few years into your brain health journey at Rancho, and joining you in that journey, I hope that your Mom is always remembered for being a catalyst for you to guide and teach, ultimatley thousands of people who will now be less likely to suffer the ravages of dementia and Alzheimer’s as they have adopted new and healthier ways of eating. My heart aches for you and hope that all of these wonderful memories and photos give you and your family comfort during such a hard time. Love Jill

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Thank you so much Jillian! Missed you at the Ranch this year.

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Nov 18Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

I am deeply sorry to hear about your mom's passing. My mom is in the early stages of ALZ and I know I have a long road ahead as her primary caregiver. Your tribute to your mom was lovely and heartfelt. Thank you for sharing.

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Thank you Jenna. I am here for you as you navigate taking care of your mom.

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Nov 18Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Such a beautiful family and tribute to your mom. I am so sorry for your loss and pray your good memories and photos bring some measure of comfort. I lost my Mom to ALZ last August and can relate to the myriad of emotions we all experienced on her journey. Take good care. I wish you and your family peace.

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Thank you so much Marcia, and I am sorry for your loss.

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Nov 18Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Oh, Annie - I finally had time to read this wonderful tribute to your mother. Like Linda, I would have loved to know her too.

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I think my mom would have loved meeting you Sally. Thank you so much.

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Nov 18Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

I would have loved to know your Mom. What a strong woman she was! My Mom is 97 & has Alzheimers. May you & your family know God's comfort & love in the days ahead.

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Thank you Linda, and sending love to your mom.

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Nov 18Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Thank you, Annie, for sharing your mother's journey (and yours) with Alzheimer's. It sounds like she was a courageous woman, and I'm thankful she inspired you to create the Brain Health Kitchen to the benefit of us all.

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I am thankful as well, Julianne. This community is nothing short of amazing. Thank you for being here!

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Nov 18Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

What a beautiful tribute to your sweet mother. I lost my mother last February. She also delighted each time I told her I was her daughter. "I have a daughter?!" There were many unexpected moments of joy during those dark times. Thank you for the reminder. And thank you for all that you do! I am so very sorry for your loss.

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Sorry to hear you had to lose her Laura.

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