A Lifetime of Advocacy
When Anna T. Boyce was born at home in New York City in 1922, the average American could expect to live about 57 years.
More than a century later, the 104-year-old Mission Viejo resident has spent much of her life as an activist and advocate for the rights of women, senior citizens, the disabled, the impoverished—and countless other marginalized communities.
A Mission Viejo Hometown Hero and honoree on the Mission Viejo Wall of Recognition, Anna cruised down Marguerite Parkway and La Paz Road in a vintage Ford Thunderbird convertible during the city’s America 250 parade on July 11.
From Medical Marijuana to Community Service
The causes nearest to Anna’s heart reflect her deeply held belief in free speech and fair treatment for all Americans.
In 1991, the registered nurse wrote California’s first medical marijuana bill. Her pioneering work as the “grandmother” of medical marijuana legalization helped pave the way for Proposition 215, for which she was credited as a co-author and proponent. She became the initiative’s chief spokesperson, debating opponents and appearing in numerous television commercials seen by millions of Californians.
In July 2015, she was appointed to the Orange County Transportation Authority Special Needs Advisory Committee. She was also a board member of the Orange County Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, Age Well Senior Services and Meals on Wheels. She was also active with the Mission Viejo Marine Adoption Committee for years.
Anna was on so many committees at one point that there was a saying at City Hall: “Oh, Anna is definitely on that committee.”
Her Mission Viejo Legacy
Another of Anna’s long-lasting contributions was establishing a permanent venue for playing bocce, a bowling-type game that can be played by people of all ages and abilities.
As president of the Mission Viejo bocce team, Anna lobbied tirelessly for the city to build and maintain bocce courts, including seating for both home and visiting teams. Two years ago, the City Council (including councilmember Trish Kelley, pictured with Anna) cited her accomplishment by naming a park bench facing the courts in her honor. The bocce team continues to honor Anna’s dedication to the sport by taking her out to dinner annually.
One of Anna’s most impactful contributions was organizing flu immunization clinics, blood-pressure clinics and Red Cross blood drives around the city. To this day, there are residents who credit Anna for inspiring them to get involved in local health-related causes.
While Anna’s activism has slowed in recent years, her legacy in Mission Viejo will live on for decades to come.
