Ane Mane, 61, died Dec. 21, 2022, in a car crash near Clam Gulch, Alaska.

Ane Mane was an amazing, compassionate, kind, funny, and humble person and an incredible healer.

Ane was born on Sept. 14, 1961 in Waterbury, Connecticut, to Servet and Mary Mane. She graduated from Wilby High School early then completed a degree in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut.

In 1983 her wanderings brought her to Alaska where she started to work at Unocal in 1984. After a few years and an extended trip to New Zealand she was hired to run the lab at Chevron, Nikiski. It was here that she gathered her first Alaska family that she remained close to throughout her life.

Ane’s life opened a whole new chapter in 1997 when she decided to change paths drastically. She attended the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, graduating with honors with a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine.

Ane returned to Alaska in 2004 and started her practice as a Naturopath and Acupuncturist, splitting her practice between Soldotna and Homer. Eventually she bought a home in Homer and practiced solely in that community. Three years ago she added to her practice by joining Seldovia Village Tribe Health and Wellness Center as an acupuncturist treating people in Homer, Seldovia and Anchor Point.

Her patients remember her healing hands, caring heart and beautiful spirit. She had an amazing memory and could recall ever aspect of your health even if it had been months since she saw you. When you had an appointment with her, she made you feel like you were the most important person in her life.

Ane was fiercely protective of all animals and devoted to any that crossed her path. She never forgot the name of your pets. She would go to great lengths to care for all of them from the bunnies out the back door of the office to the seven cats she inherited from a friend.

Ane was committed to overseeing the health care of her mother in Connecticut, despite the distance. She spoke to her daily, often in their native language Albanian, and flew to Connecticut as often as she could.

Ane is survived by her mother, Mary Mane of Connecticut; her brother, Luan Mane and his wife Deborah of Litchfield, Connecticut; nephew, Gregory and his wife Rachel and their children Reagen, and Hadley; and cousins Salie, Rami and Hena, as well as numerous friends throughout Alaska.

She is predeceased by her father, Servet Mane.

A friendship with Ane felt like the luckiest thing to ever happen to you. She will never be forgotten as once you met Ane, there was a piece of her in your heart. We will remember her when we drink gin and tonics, gather our recycling, eat chocolate or snuggle with our dogs and cats.

If you care to honor her, please consider an act of kindness towards others or a donation to Homer Animal Friends, the Peninsula Spay/Neuter fund or any organization whose mission is the welfare of animals.

Ane, your warmth is still here. Your melody is alive. You’ll remain forever in our hearts.

A celebration of Ane’s life will take place in the spring.