Anna Kistner

Anna Maria Kistner, born on January 8, 1960, to Jess and Carmen Arenas, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024, at Los Robles Hospital due to complications from pneumonia. The youngest of four siblings, Anna was the beloved heart of her family and an irreplaceable presence in the lives of everyone who knew her.

Anna is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Lee Kistner, Jr.; parents, Carmen and Jess Arenas; her brother, Dick; and her in-laws, Richard and Melba Kistner. 

She is survived by her devoted brother, Michael; sister-in-law, Elaine; niece, Alison, and brothers-in-law Terry (Arlene), and Ken (Lynn) Kistner.

She was a product of Moorpark schools and graduated Moorpark Memorial Union High School in 1978. She graduated from Moorpark College in 1983. 

Anna was briefly married to her middle school sweetheart and lifelong love, Rick Kistner. They were married on July 14, 1979. Tragically, just one year and one week after their wedding, Rick passed away in a motorcycle accident. They had no children and Anna never remarried.

Anna had always wanted to become a nurse and her dream was fulfilled when she attended Moorpark College nursing program and was a proud graduate of the first graduating class at Moorpark College nursing program in 1983. Anna was drawn to open heart surgery and dedicated over four decades to her work as a registered nurse in the Conejo Valley. She worked at Los Robles hospital for 23 years caring for patients during and after surgery. Then she worked at Thousand Oaks Surgical Hospital for another 18 years. Her compassion, commitment, and the love she poured into her work defined her character and touched the lives of countless patients and colleagues.

Anna was an avid reader and also a lector at Holy Cross Church. She loved to travel and had seen many places around the world. She had a deep love for dogs and movies. She often rewatched her favorite films, relishing the comfort of what she loved. She also had a deep love for sports and was an avid fan of USC football, Dodgers baseball, and the Los Angeles Raiders. Anna loved to cook and would present beautiful meals, setting elegant tables with all the proper dinnerware, etc. for her family and friends.

Anna’s passion for life, generosity, and vibrant personality left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of many. Her legacy of love and compassion will never be forgotten.