Wednesday, November 1, 2023
/public-file/5504/Ultra/30b364ae-2f9e-4f2d-a25c-742d5df79cc3.jpeg
Many may say and feel: “There but for the grace of God go I, “ but Ann’s compassion was put into action her whole life—there with the Grace of God went Ann—to become a nurse, to care for her patients, and attend to her family and friends in every way possible. You did not need to ask Ann for help, she anticipated what others needed and would find a way to help no matter what the situation. She was there for triage in our personal crises, behind the scenes organizing, and professionally helping others by raising funds for the hospital where she spent most of her life so others could live better, longer, healthier lives.
Oh, that I wish you had never gotten sick, Ann. We are at such a loss without you. I keep wanting to call you to ask for something I need, knowing that you’d help me with my problem, offer good advice, find whatever medical services were available when needed for myself or a friend no matter where in the world I traveled, as you did for me all my life, as the baby sister.
I treasure every moment we had together, I thank you for every gift, every lesson learned. I will always think of you lending a helping hand, offering to make plans for a needed getaway when times were tough, hosting fabulous family gatherings, modeling how to have a happy marriage, raise a terrific son, have a career and keep getting more academic degrees. I may be the one who benefited the most from being the youngest of 6 children, gleaning the wisdom you passed on down, and especially all the sacrifices you made for me. You taught me to “Fake it till you make it, Gloria,” as I tackled careers and world wide sailing adventures that I would have never felt qualified to attempt without your example and encouragement.
May the nursing scholarship fund established in your name continue to grow and impact the lives of others in need as we once were, may the recipients know that you were the first one in our family to get beyond high school through hard work, determination and scholarships, that you showed us how it gets done.
You embodied the concept you shared with all of us this year:
Here’s to strong women
May we know them
Be them
Raise them.
You inspired all who knew you with your courage, good cheer, wit and good humor as you lived with your diagnosis and illness these last three plus years, aided by Ken, the equally courageous man you married, and your son, men who had the strength to support and embrace such women.
