Remembering Anne MacKay

Leading with grace

Anne brought to this work not only her commitment and intellect but also her warmth, artistry and deep humanity. She served as board chair during pivotal years, offering thoughtful leadership that combined diplomacy with compassion. Former Executive Director Lisa Roberts recalled, “Anne was board chair when I became the Foundation’s executive director in 2008. She was much more than a boss — she quickly became a good friend. I will miss her grace and quick smile, as well as the sparkle in her eyes when she talked about the Foundation and its work. Anne was considerate, kind and thoughtful — the kind of person you want to emulate in your professional life. She was also totally selfless and modest about her many talents.”

A spirit remembered

Anne’s legacy extends beyond her leadership. She was an accomplished artist, known for her expressive watercolor paintings of Florida’s native blooms, which she often shared as note cards — many of which still circulate among friends and colleagues as treasured keepsakes.

Anne’s creativity went hand in hand with her adventurous spirit. As Roberts remembered, “Most people in our circle had no idea that Anne was a former equestrian and an accomplished artist. Because of my interest in both art and horses, we instantly clicked. She loved seeing my paintings and would send me photos of her wildflower paintings. She turned a collection of them into beautiful note cards, some of which I still have. We shared many good laughs about our experiences with horses. We enjoyed swapping stories of equine antics, trail rides through orange groves, and the simple pleasures of saddling up for a ride.”

Anne’s thoughtful attention to detail and generosity of spirit were evident in all she did. As Jeff Caster, longtime board member and friend, remembered, “Anne wanted everyone in Florida to experience and enjoy more wildflowers… On a number of occasions during our 25-year friendship, Anne called, texted, or wrote a note to encourage, congratulate, or thank me for something. Some of the notes were written on her personal stationery with her watercolor images of wildflowers. Once in a lifetime, if you are lucky, you meet someone like Anne.”

A gentle presence

Anne’s gentleness and generosity touched all who knew her. Former board member Dr. Walter Taylor wrote, “Anne MacKay was one of the finest persons we ever met. She was dedicated to the Foundation and its endeavors to protect and promote wildflowers in the state. Florida wildflowers and others who knew Anne lost a precious gem.”

Current board secretary Terry Zinn remembered her as “the voice of kindness and great humanity,” while board member Nancy Bissett reflected that “Anne was a very special person for her calm spirit that accomplished so much and especially for the founding and continued work for the Florida Wildflower Foundation.”

Her kindness and warmth extended to new generations of Foundation leaders. Board Chair Fatima Elkott shared, “Anne was a luminous presence whose warmth touched all who knew her. She possessed a rare gift for making each person feel truly seen and valued. To be recognized by someone of her stature and character was an extraordinary honor.”

And from Mona Johnston, who joined the board more recently: “I so regret that I never had a chance to meet Anne in person. I know that she and her husband were so instrumental in nurturing the Foundation. I do treasure the personal notes she sent to me as a member of the board. She was always so gracious and kind to a newcomer.”

Legacy in bloom

Anne’s dedication to conservation and education continues to inspire. In 2019, she was honored with the Foundation’s Coreopsis Award for outstanding service to Florida’s wildflowers. And through the internship program established with the Florida Native Plant Society in her name alongside other early champions, Anne’s commitment to nurturing future conservation leaders will live on.

From Jeff Norcini, an early collaborator who helped shape the Foundation’s beginnings: “Anne was an incredible person — someone who not only contributed so much to the preservation of wildflowers but also embodied grace and intelligence in her interactions with others. Her presence and voice clearly made a big impact in her work with the Foundation.”

Even in her final messages to friends, Anne’s optimism and faith in the Foundation’s future shone through. As Jeff Caster shared, she wrote, “Our next generation leaders are going to take our Foundation far into the future. We’re in good hands. Long live the Foundation… and Florida native wildflowers!”

Anne’s presence lingers in many small ways. She was known for making the motion to adjourn each monthly board meeting — a simple gesture that became a tradition. Even now, when the time comes, it brings a smile and a quiet sense that she’s still part of the conversation.

From all of us at the Florida Wildflower Foundation, we share in Anne’s enduring love for Florida’s native landscapes and her belief in the power of people to protect them. As Executive Director Stacey Matrazzo reflected, “Anne was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. Even before I became executive director, she went out of her way to check in, offer encouragement and remind me that the work we were doing mattered. She cared deeply — not just about Florida’s wildflowers, but about the people behind the mission. Her steady kindness left a lasting mark on me and on our Foundation.”

Anne’s life was a testament to sincerity, creativity and unwavering generosity. Her legacy blooms in every wildflower that brightens Florida’s roadsides and every person inspired to protect them.

If you would like to make a donation in Anne MacKay’s memory, please click here.