ANN'S OBITUARY

Elizabeth "Ann" Barrilleaux was an explorer, a daughter, a sister, a teacher, a caring friend, and a dedicated and loving rescuer of animals in need. Ann mounted a valiant fight against a very aggressive cancer, always keeping the mindset that she could beat it, until it fully declared itself in late November. She was incredibly brave and died peacefully in the early morning of December 19, 2024, surrounded by warm memories of her life, family and friends, expeditions, kitties and the amazing nature scenes she photographed.

Ann was born in 1965 in Lake Arthur Louisiana to parents Alma Vaughan Barrilleaux and Avla Joseph Barrilleaux, where she attended high school and later traveled to Northern California where she resided until her death.

Ann spent over 20 years as a fitness instructor and adjunct faculty member in Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education in various programs at Foothill College, the College of San Mateo, and at West Valley College. She was first introduced to Adapted Physical Education when she was a student at Foothill College where she assisted in classes and loved it! She worked as an assistant for the A-PE program before transferring to California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California where she earned a bachelor's and master's degree in Physical Education and Kinesiology with an emphasis in Adapted PE. She was kind and patient and attentive to the needs of her students, helping hundreds of students over the years. Her service was her hallmark, always thinking of others and what they needed and how she could help.

Ann was a sports and adventure enthusiast, mastering windsurfing, scuba diving and ocean kayaking. She loved to travel and set out on expeditions to Europe, London, Antarctica, and many local adventures in California to Feather River, and her beloved San Luis Obispo area to the beaches at San Simeon and Montaña de Oro State Park. An animal lover, she rescued several cats over decades whom she loved dearly. She was a lifelong learner, enjoying the pursuit of photography and new recipes, but always loved making her favorite Louisiana gumbo. She loved the ocean...even outfitting a reef tank with corals, clown fish, and hermit crabs in her home.

Ann is survived by her brother Christopher Barrilleaux; half-sister Joy Barrilleaux Kershaw (Travis); her two nieces, Lindsay and Lauryn Clement, stepmother Gwendolyn Broussard Barrilleaux, and cousin Gene Theriot (Janet).

She is preceded in death by her mother Alma Vaughan Barrilleaux, her father Avla Joseph Barrilleaux, and her aunt Elizabeth "Betty" Vaughan and Betty's siblings.

A celebration of life is planned for some time in early 2025 sponsored by her friends and colleagues of the Adaptive PE programs she served. For those interested in honoring Ann, please make a donation in her honor to a local cat rescue organization of your choice, foster or adopt a needy animal, or donate time to those less fortunate. She would be so honored.