Cynthia E. Annese

Cynthia E. Annese died Jan. 28. She was 62.

Annese was a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley where she earned her doctorate in nuclear physics. She joined the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in 1985 as a physicist in laser diagnostics. She then worked as a nuclear technology counterterrorism specialist with LLNL's Global Security Directorate at the U.S. Department of Energy Headquarters in Washington, D.C. She spent five years in diplomatic service to the United Nations in Vienna, Austria working in nuclear nonproliferation for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and had recently returned to California to continue her career at LLNL.

Annese was an avid outdoorswoman and enjoyed skiing, scuba diving, rock climbing, archery, wake boarding, flying and gardening. She also enjoyed playing guitar and piano and participating in ballroom dance competitions. She mentored young women in math and science and donated her efforts toward ending human trafficking. She was well loved and respected by family and friends.

Annese was predeceased by her parents, Irene and Lucien Annese of Westvale. She is survived by her loving partner, Henry Ancerys; devoted sisters, Mary Annese (Roy Sahali) of Washington, Kathleen Annese of Camillus, and Patricia Annese (Ross Amstey) of Rochester; nieces and nephews, Tariq Sahali (Kare'sha), Kirsten Parsons (Jenifer Cruickshank), Jason Parsons (Kat), and Logan and Jordan Amstey; great-nieces and great-nephews, Anisah, Cheyanne, Patricia, Tyler and Luke.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 3-5 p.m. at the Chapel of San Ramon Valley, 825 Hartz Way, Danville, Calif.