On Thursday, Aug. 29,  Barbara Ward-Windgassen, founder and president of Anthem Pets, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer.

Windgassen became an icon in Anthem when she rallied fervently for Pulte/Del Webb to retrofit the award-winning community with the one thing she and scores of dog owners felt was missing: A dog park. She founded the non-profit group Anthem Pets in 2006 with its first mission to wrestle the Anthem Community Council for a small piece of land on which to establish a dog park. Anthem Pets, Windgassen said, was prepared to fund, build and maintain the dog park as a third-party contractor. When Council blocked her efforts, Windgassen and her loyal supporters proceeded to build an award-winning dog park on Jackass Acres, a few miles north of Anthem.

Anthem Pets became the go-to group for all things pets: lost and found, litters and fosters needing homes… As the group’s reach grew, so did the need for volunteers. Windgassen was enthusiastic about recruiting volunteers and holding them to their pledge. She arranged periodic low-cost shot clinics and other vet services. She also convinced retailers to regularly donate massive amounts of pet food that she and volunteers then repackage and leave at the doorstep of pet owners in need.

During the real estate bust, Windgassen and her team of volunteers worked overtime rescuing, fostering and placing countless dogs and cats abandoned by homeowners as they walked out on their mortgage.

Her tireless dedication to animal welfare knew no bounds. She worked through her illness—well beyond her life expectancy—keeping her computer at her bedside. Countless animals owe their life to her.

She leaves behind her loyal and devoted husband, Tom. Their love for each other and lifetime of work together is a true love story.  She is also survived by her daughter, Elizabeth, who shares her mother’s love for animals, as well as scores of healthy, rescued animals and appreciative animal lovers. Barb’s shoes will be impossible to fill. Her mission has made a mark on so many lives. In lieu of flowers, Barb and family have asked for donations to support her passion, Anthem Pets (Medical Fund).