Ann Withe Holmgren, of Canton, Conn., formerly of Burlington, Conn., passed away peacefully and courageously Christmas Eve morning, 2012. She had been living at home with her beloved cat Surf, while being cared for by her children, grandchildren, friends new and old, and dedicated hospice workers. Born to Stan and Inga Withe on Sept. 19, 1931, Ann was married to Jack Holmgren, originally of Farmington, Conn., for 47 years. Jack predeceased her in 2006.
Ann traveled extensively as a child and young adult, one of the highlights being an extended trip to Als in Southern Denmark, home of her mother, with fond memories of lit candles on Christmas trees. Ann attended Burlington elementary schools, graduated from Oxford preparatory school (now Kingswood-Oxford) in West Hartford, Conn. and from Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire. A graduate, also, of Hartford Secretarial School, she lived in New York City for three years where she worked in travel at Thomas Cook & Sons and at First National City Bank.
After returning to Hartford, she became the personal secretary of Thomas J. Dodd who won a seat in the U.S. Senate three years later. Dodd asked Ann to join his staff in Washington, D.C. but Ann decided instead to join Jack Holmgren as his wife and to remain in Connecticut, a decision, she said, which was not difficult. Jack and Ann were married the following year and lived in Canton for 10 years. They then moved to Burlington where they built a house and raised their family, a clay tennis court in the backyard keeping all hands busy for many years.
After children, Ann returned to work as a secretary for 14 years in the Region 10 public school system. Ann was a long-time member of the First Church of Christ in Farmington where she and Jack were married.
Ann, Jack, and their children vacationed each summer in New Harbor at their beloved cottage by the sea with many visits over the years from dear friends.
She leaves her cherished children and grandchildren: son, Hoag of Nederland, Col., wife Leda and their children Soren, Anders, and Mirabelle; daughter, Hilary of New Hartford, Conn., her husband Gregg Valliere and their children Sorelle and Trent; and sister, Jane van Dusen, of Longmont, Col.
Ann has requested that any donations be made to the Holmgren Scholarship Fund at the church, established by Jack in 1980, 75 Main St., Farmington, CT 06032.
Service 10 a.m., Sat., Jan. 19 at Valley Community Baptist Church, 590 West Avon Rd., Avon, Conn.
