Anna Reid Pubins born on April 21, 2024, brought immeasurable joy and love to all who knew her before she was called home on Feb. 12, 2025, after a sudden illness. Though her time on this earth was brief, Anna’s life was filled with warmth, laughter, and a radiant light that will forever shine in the hearts of her family.
Anna is survived by her devoted parents, Amanda McConnell Pubins and Taylor Reid Pubins, who adored their precious daughter with all their hearts. She was the beloved baby sister to her big brothers, Robby and David, who took such pride in caring for her and making her laugh. Her maternal grandparents, Rob "Pepaw" and Maria "Nana" McConnell, aunts Francesca and Sophia McConnell, and maternal great-grandfather Frankie Morales all cherished their sweet Anna, holding her close and treasuring every moment. Anna's paternal grandparents, David "Popo" and Debbie "Gigi" Pubins, Uncle Tanner and Aunt Molly, along with their children, Anna's cousins, T.J. and Hazel Pubins, and Uncle Trey and Aunt Larissa Pubins, surrounded her with love and laughter. Anna is also survived by her maternal great-grandparents Nancy and Jim Brummett, Bob and Leigh McConnell, and her paternal great-grandmother Carol Cowperthwaite, as well as a large and loving extended family.
Anna was preceded in death by her great-grandmother Georgia Morales, who now holds her precious great-granddaughter in her arms once more.
In her short lifetime, Anna knew nothing but love. She relished when her brothers doted on her, watching them play with wide-eyed wonder and trying to join their games, even if it meant slowing them down. They never minded accommodating their darling sister. Anna had a deep affection for her pink bunny "Lovey," which never left her side, and she fiercely guarded her froggy poof, refusing to share it with anyone, even her dear Nana. She was captivated by the feel of her Pepaw's beard, running her little hands through it again and again, a simple yet profound gesture of connection.
Anna’s Gigi and Popo loved her stoic little expressions, so often serious as she took in the world around her, and they marveled at how her smile could light up a room, warming every heart within it. Anna’s beauty, both inside and out, was a gift to everyone who knew her.
For the first three months of her life, Anna was cradled in loving arms, too precious to be put down. Amanda, who delivered Anna at home in an awe-inspiring moment of strength and faith, knew from the very beginning that her daughter was a gift from God. She praised Him for Anna daily, speaking her gratitude aloud and in whispered prayers. As Anna grew, Amanda mastered the art of tending to her household with Anna always on her hip, the two of them inseparable until Anna began to crawl, and even then, she delighted in following her Mama everywhere, which elated Mama. Their bond was a testament to a love so pure and profound that it transcends words.
Anna shared a uniquely beautiful connection with her father, Taylor. No one could prompt such hearty, joyful laughter from Anna as her Dada. Her big blue eyes sparkled whenever she looked at him, lighting up with adoration as they played together. Whether dancing in his arms or bouncing along to "Ride the horsey into town," Anna and Taylor shared a language of love and trust that needed no words. He spoke to her as an intellectual equal as though she understood every word, and by the way she gazed back at him, it was clear that she did.
Anna Reid Pubins's life, though heartbreakingly short, was filled with the kind of love and devotion that most people only dream of experiencing. Her family finds comfort in knowing that Anna is now cradled in heavenly arms, and she is watching over them with her bright eyes and radiant spirit. She will be forever missed and lovingly remembered, a precious angel who touched so many lives in her brief but beautiful time here on earth.
A celebration of life service for Anna was held, Feb. 16 at 3 p.m. at Gateway Church in Del Norte, Colo.
In the wake of Anna's passing, we, the Pubins and McConnell families have been blessed by an outpouring of love from family, friends, and community. To honor sweet Anna, we hope to raise funds for the installation of a toddler playground and memorial bench to be placed in a Del Norte Park. This memorial will serve to honor the memory of sweet Anna, while providing future generations a place to reflect and create memories. It will stand as a symbol of the love and joy Anna brought into the lives of everyone she touched. We are reaching out to encourage our community to support the GoFundMe campaign for Anna Reid Pubins Memorial Playground and Bench. Every donation, no matter the size, can make a meaningful difference. If you’re able, please consider contributing and sharing the fundraiser to help spread the word. Your support means the world to us and will help make this tribute a reality. Thanks so much for your kindness, generosity and support. Your love continues to uplift us, and we are grateful for each of you.
