Ann R. Wannamaker

Ann was born at Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital in New York City on 26 October 1927 to Anna Kelly and Andrew J. Rauner of Fort Montgomery, New York. Ann was the youngest of three daughters born to the couple. Here, in the Hudson Valley, Ann lived her young life. She attended private Catholic schools and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Ladycliff College in Highland Falls, New York. She went on to complete work on her Masters of Arts degree at the State University of New York in New Platz. She then embarked on a second Masters degree at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City, but marriage intervened.

Ann's first teaching assignment was at the West Point Elementary School in West Point, New York. While working there, she met her future husband, Lt. William David Wannamaker of Charleston, South Carolina. He was stationed at West Point at that time. They were married in Holy Trinity Chapel in West Point, and their marriage lasted 55 happy years, until Bill's death in 2008. The couple was blessed with five children: 3 boys and 2 girls.

When their youngest child started school, Ann returned to teaching. Her husband's career with the General Electric Company required that the family relocate many times over the years.

Wherever possible, Ann obtained a teaching position, and became certified in several States, among them Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New York, and she was awarded tenure. Ann always taught at the elementary level, which she loved.

After Bill's retirement, Ann and Bill built a

home in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Here, Ann became involved in volunteer work. Working with a non-profit organization called Gro-Group, she tutored developmentally disabled young adults in reading and social skills. In this capacity, she was named Volunteer of the Year. Her other volunteer activities included: serving as the co-manager of the Mease Countryside Hospital Gift Shop in Safety Harbor, Florida; working in the food pantry of St. Ignatius of

Antioch Parish in Tarpon Springs; and honing her skills as a journalist by covering topics of current interest for a Clearwater newspaper.

In 2003, Ann and Bill moved to Sapphire, North Carolina and became members of St. Jude Catholic Church in Sapphire Valley. Here, Ann was a member of many committees, among them Hospitality, Library, and Christmas Angels.

She wrote a weekly column of the St. Jude Bulletin entitled "Saint of the Week". She was a member of the Rosary Group, and served as Director of Religious Education for 7½ years.

One of her greatest joys was the preparation of her young students to receive the Holy Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. Ever an avid reader, Ann was also a dedicated volunteer at the Cashiers Community Library.

After Bill's death in 2008, Ann chose to remain in Sapphire. She continued with her volunteer activities for many years. Eventually, Ann chose to move to the Newville, Pennsylvania home of her daughter, Kelly, and her son-in-law, Ruben Lao. She lived with Kelly and Ruben for her final

years, and was very happy there. While staying in "Lao Land", she received many visits from her other children. Eventually, her health failed her, and she moved into a nursing home for a few days before her passing on 13 February 2026.

She was 98 years old at the time of her death.

Ann's parents (Anna K. and Andrew J. Rauner), two sisters (Dr. Therese M. Rauner of New Windsor, New York and Susan R. Docherty of Marietta, Georgia), her husband (Bill), and her youngest son (Paul T. of Clearwater, Florida) preceded her in death.

She is survived by four children (William D., Jr. of San Francisco, California; Andrew L. of Camdenton, Missouri; Kelly W. Lao of Newville, Pennsylvania; and Claire W. Flowers of Holiday, Florida), two grandchildren, one great grandson, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Ann will be announced at a future time. She will be buried in the cemetery of Christ Church in Adams Run, South Carolina. Her remains will be interred there with those of her husband, her son Paul, and other members of the Wannamaker family.