BIOGRAPHY

Ann Beach-Burow was born in Oakland, California, on 23 October 1905, as the first of 14 children born to parents James Pisenti (1871–1934) and Rose Panella (1883–1948). Her father was born in Switzerland, while her mother was born in Italy. Her siblings were: Joseph (1907–2001), Emelia, Walter (1909–2006), Alice (1911–2011), Eva (1912–2007), Mabel (1913–2010), Alfred, William (1917–2014), Dutch, Welta, Allen, Wallace, and Eugene. Ann had a deep passion for learning and was an avid reader across all literary genres. After leaving school in the eighth grade to help raise her siblings, she became self-educated, eventually enjoying a successful career in Sonoma County’s Election Department.

On 26 October 1924, shortly after her 19th birthday, she married George Alvin Beach (1882–1970), and they made their home on his ranch on Summerfield Road in Santa Rosa. Together, they raised two daughters, Luella and Gwendolyn, and were deeply committed to providing them with the education they themselves had missed. Ann also introduced her daughters to the arts of music and dance.

After 45 years of marriage, George passed away on 15 March 1970. In 1925, her husband introduced her to the Bennett Valley Grange, where she served as secretary for the next 66 years. Ann was also a proud member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West, joining the organization in 1930. She served as State President of the Native Daughters in 1947-1948 and later became a member of the Past Presidents Association #7 of Sonoma County. A devout Catholic, Ann prayed the rosary every day. She was an active member of St. Rose Parish, as her daughters attended St. Rose School and Ursuline High School. Ann served as Past President and secretary for 21 years of the Catholic Charities Auxiliary and was also Past President of the Columbiettes, the auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus.

In 1974, Ann remarried Raymond Burow. The couple shared a passion for travel, and during their 10 years together, they vacationed extensively across Europe, the British Isles, Canada, and the United States with her brothers, Walter and Joe, and their spouses. Both Ann and Raymond were deeply involved with St. Anthony’s Farm Auxiliary and Handicapables.

Six of her siblings died in their 90s, while one sister, Alyce Rose Tarpley Lindstrom, died shortly after turning 100. Her daughter, Luella Heney (1926–2021), died at the age of 95.

Ann Beach-Burow passed away in Santa Rosa, California, on 9 April 2016, at the age of 110 years, 169 days. She was survived by her two daughters, five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 22 great-great-grandchildren. She was also survived by her brothers Allen Pisenti (1922–2018) and Eugene Pisenti (1928–2017).

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Eli Logan, Jimmy Lindberg, and Anri K., and validated by LongeviQuest on 1 February 2025.

ATTRIBUTION

* Ann Pisenti Burow – Find A Grave

* “Santa Rosa’s Ann Beach Burow about to become a super-centenarian” – The Press Democrat, 18 October 2015

* Ann BEACH-BUROW Obituary – Legacy (Press Democrat), April 2016

* “Ann Pisenti Beach Burow dies at 110” – The Press Democrat, 12 April 2016

GALLERY