July 6, 1948-Aug. 17, 2016
Emily Ann Barnett Koskovich, 68, died Aug. 17, 2016. “She was taken from this earth by her beloved angels,” her family said.
“Annie” was born July 6, 1948, in Madeira, Calif. to third-generation wagon-train pioneers of English/Irish heritage. Two of her ancestors came to America on the Mayflower. One of her ancestors is a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Annie, her sister Margie and brother George grew up on a ranch where “everything was family.” Her mother, Emily, was a home economics teacher and her father, George, was a cattleman/farmer for 50 years. Their children rode horses instead of bikes until high school. Annie and her siblings showed champion cattle, sheep and pigs through 4H at the Cow Palace and local fairs for 10 years. She was taught to be tough and to never give up. Annie was not a “girly-girl,” although her elegant beauty eventually outshone the cowgirl in her.
Annie was also gifted with a beautiful soprano voice and studied to be an opera singer, but her playful spirit took her away from the focused regimen that operatic singing requires. After graduating from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Annie went to work for Bechtel on the Alyeska Pipeline. She fell in love with Alaska, but returned to California where she sold real estate for 20 years and was a Million Dollar Member. She later brought that same dedicated professionalism to the real estate market of Kachemak Bay. One of her favorite expressions was “Truly!” And TRUE she was. She was honest and discreet.
Ann and Richard Koskovich were married on the Grewingk Glacier in 1992. She became marketing manager for Koskovich Wildlife Jewelry, working stints at Ptarmigan Arts where she ignited friendships with her outgoing personality and delightful sense of humor. She and Dick spent many happy hours together on Kachemak Bay on their boat, the Gold ’N Sea, and drifting the Kenai River. Fishing was Annie’s favorite thing to do.
As part of the Homer Sister City Delegation to Teshio, Japan, in 2002, Annie proudly represented the City of Homer, and revealed her rich soprano voice singing “The Star Spangled Banner” at the closing ceremony. She served on the Homer Chamber of Commerce Board, modeled in Wearable Arts and Upstairs Boutique, and gave support to South Peninsula Haven House and other nonprofits.
She was a real people-person and took care of everyone she could. Her sweet kindness knew no bounds. When it came time for others to take care of her, she resisted, and stood tall in the face of failing health. She was a testament to the strength of the will to live. She defied medical science and prognostications! TRULY amazing lady! Her heart was bigger than life — Annie knew there was no promise of tomorrow, so do it today. Let each loved one know what counts, and that includes parties with silly hats and eggs filled with confetti. As we picture Annie released from pain, we see her rowing her lifeboat from our shore to another shore as hard as she can, where loving family and friends await, waving and beckoning her. She is singing “Happy” (her favorite song), laughing, eating chocolate and dancing, and she wants us to do the same.
Annie is survived by her husband, Richard, and her sister, Margie Danley.
A memorial service is not planned. Memorial donations may be made to the Homer Foundation, P.O .Box 2600, Homer, AK 99603, homerfoundation.org
