by Kathy Ferger
I feel a great sadness in learning of Ann's death, and deep gratitude that I knew her and shared some lovely days with her and you. It seems miraculous that she survived several times what might have ended her life many years earlier. [The] celebration of [her] life ... in Boulder CO, ... is beyond my ability to attend, much though I would like to be there. ...
I have quite a lot of fond memories of my times with Ann. ... My memories are not so clear of the first times (1978?) in DC when Lairold introduced me to Ann, except that he thought very highly of her and I could immediately see why.
Other memories .... A time when you visit us in 1984 (?) in our apartment on U St, when Liana was a young girl, who happily amused baby Chipalo pushing him around in a box on the floor.
A special visit with you in Austin TX - watching the bats fly from under the bridge, swimming in the pool in your back yard, going swimming with Ann to Barton Springs Pool.
And when you settled in the DC area, we managed a get-together every year or two - at my house, at your house(s), going out for dim sum, a few concerts, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, a lake park in Montgomery Co.
The locations and details changed, but what was constant was Ann's obvious delight in life. I never saw her discouraged or depressed, despite her physical challenges after her first [stroke] (and subsequent ones). She patiently worked to regain as much as she could and found ways to keep on living life to its fullest. She greeted me warmly, made me feel special, wanted to know about my family and what I had been doing since I last saw her.
We shared a love of violin and music. She loved being outside and we spent a lot of times in parks - she noticed flowers and insects, and exclaimed over anything I pointed out.
I don't think we went to any rallies/demonstrations together, but I know that the two of you were at many in DC and everywhere you lived. Ann was committed to trying to make the world a better place, and put her heart into many good causes (at least in line with the way I happen to view the world). I admired her adventurous spirit, always ready for new places and new challenges.
She is lucky she found you, Doug, a kindred spirit with whom to share all the adventures, ups and downs of life. You fed her spirit and found a way out of no way, always ready to explore together and make meaning in all you did. Each of you has provided me with profound lessons in how to live my life better.