Ann E. Prendergast

Ann was born in Rochester, New York to John W. Prendergast and Julia Barton Prendergast on May 16, 1935. She attended Nazareth Academy. She earned a BA from the University of Notre Dame of Maryland and completed additional graduate work in literature, education and writing over her lifetime. Ann was a lifelong learner who never lost her intellectual curiosity, passion for reading and discourse, and creative spirit.

She devoted her early years to her family and writing. She moved to New York City in 1974, subsequently working for Bill Moyers, The New Yorker, GP Putnam & Sons, and UNICEF before taking a position with Refco, Inc. as a Softs Analyst and Financial Editor. Ann moved back to upstate New York after retiring in 2006.

Ann found a loving community and spiritual home in the community of the Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard, NY. She sought and found solace in the retreats offered by the Abbey, subsequently became a member of the Genesee Lay Contemplatives, under the direction of Fr. John Denburger, OCSO, and devoted herself to the community. Ann volunteered for the Dorothy Day House in Rochester, first in the kitchen and then as an Advocate as a way to live her faith, be present to God, and to serve those in need.

Ann was an avid reader and scholar, painter, gardener, devoted friend, and loving mother.

She is survived by her twin sister Maura Eileen Prendergast-Wood of Claremont, CA; daughter Julia F. Burch, and her wife Aixa N. Cintrón of Maplewood NJ, daughter Margaret (Meg) T. Burch of Greenfield, MA; her beloved grandchildren: Kirby B. Compton-Burch, Kyle W. Compton-Burch, Julia Inocencia (Ino) Cintrón-Burch, Amelia Cintrón-Burch, Rose Spurgin, Martha Compton, Henry Compton, and her nieces, nephews and cousins. She leaves her former husband Thomas K. Burch and former son-in-law Robert H. Compton. Not least, she also leaves her dear friends Kathe Hartnett, Christine Smith, Elaine Buzzinotti, Roselyn Wasserman, and Roger Damon.

Besides her parents, she is predeceased by her son, Thaddeus (Tad) J. Burch, her cousin Thomas Barton, and nephew Michael Wood.

Special thanks to the Livonia Volunteer Ambulance and the care team at the Palliative Care Program, Strong Memorial Hospital.

In lieu of flowers consider supporting the Dorothy Day House, The Abbey of Genesee, and Doctors Without Borders.

A memorial Mass and committal will be held at a future date when those who knew and loved Ann can gather safely to celebrate her life.

Arrangements entrusted to the Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home