Anne M. Kent, M.D.
September 25, 1958 - November 22, 2022
Anne Kent, 64, passed away at her Newport Beach home surrounded by her beloved family. During Anne’s final years, she lived with ALS.
Anne is survived by her husband of 38 years, Robert; children Tyler (Andrea), Ryan (Kristin), and Victoria (Joshua) Samuels; grandchildren Hudson, Calvin, Luke, and Iris Anne; and her 7 siblings, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends, dear colleagues, and patients. Her parents, James and Patricia Murphy, preceded her in death.
Born in San Jose, California, on September 25, 1958, Anne was the oldest daughter of 8 siblings. She attended Presentation High School, but determined to be a doctor like her dad, she took specialized science classes at the all-boys’ high school across town. As an undergraduate at UCLA, Anne met her love, and life partner, Rob. In 1980, she graduated magna cum laude and went on to medical school at UC Davis where she was selected as a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Anne completed her OB/GYN residency at UCI, and in her final year she served as chief resident.
Anne moved into private practice at Doctor’s Office for Women, which grew into a prominent practice focused on women’s health in Orange County. Over the decades, Anne delivered over 10,000 babies at Hoag hospital and ended her career as president of Pacific Women’s Healthcare Associates. Her passion for women’s health lives on at Hoag hospital with the “Jeffrey M. Carlton Endowed Chair in Women’s Health, in honor of Dr. Anne Kent.” She received a Courage Award from Augie’s Quest, a foundation seeking a cure for ALS. Anne loved her life as a physician, especially her cherished colleagues and patients at Hoag.
During medical school, Anne made time to ski the slopes around Lake Tahoe with Rob. Those weekend trips cultivated her passion for mountains and downhill skiing with her family. Anne became an accomplished hiker taking on mountains like Mt. Whitney and Mt. Rainier. She enjoyed planning for holidays and extravagant birthday celebrations. Anne loved Thanksgiving reunions with her 7 siblings and their families. For over 30 summers she enjoyed being with family and friends at Webb Lake in Weld, Maine. Waterskiing and paddle boarding became passions. Throughout her life in Newport Beach, she enjoyed biking with friends and family, attending the kids’ sporting events, and going to the beach. An avid reader, she also enjoyed music, especially country.
Anne is remembered for her love and devotion to family and friends, and her affection for Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church. In the last year of her life, Anne’s eyes lit up at the sight of her grandchildren’s smiles.
A service celebrating Anne’s life will be held at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach on December 6th at 11am. For those who wish, donations in Anne’s memory may be made to Hoag Hospital Foundation or to Augie’s Quest.
