Ann Marie Power

Ann was born on November 6, 1936 in Worcester, MA to James D. Power Jr. and Helen Chaisson Power. She graduated from St. Peter’s High in 1954 and from Newton College of the Sacred Heart in 1958. Following in the footsteps of her father she began a teaching career that would span four decades. After teaching elementary school in Shrewsbury, MA for a few years she applied for a position with the Department of Defense teaching military dependents overseas. Soon she was boarding a military transport at Maguire Air Force Base to travel to her first posting in Germany.

As a child Ann had been shy and timid clinging to her mother, yet she went on to become a world traveler and adventurer. Her eventual postings included England, Japan and lengthy stays in Madrid, Spain and Aviano, Italy. Her adventures ranged from skiing in the Alps to riding a camel in Egypt and traveling in Russia and Thailand. When transferring from Madrid to Aviano she drove her faithful old Mercedes herself. She lived her life fearlessly to the fullest.

Above all Ann was dedicated to her students and took great satisfaction in being a positive influence on the lives of thousands of Air Force dependents and their families. She prided herself on working with the most difficult students and often was the recipient of grateful thanks from parents. She was a magnificent teacher.

Her love for her students was exceeded only by her love for her family. She made trips home nearly every summer. When her mother’s health was failing she took leave time in order to care for her in her Thousand Oaks condo. When she finally retired in 2003, she did so to Westlake Village, CA to be near her family. She enjoyed taking classes in Spanish and Tai Chi and socializing with the friends as well as meticulously picking up leaves from her patio. For the last few years she needed assisted living at Mary Health of the Sick, and then at Belmont Village.

Ann lived a full and rewarding life. She did what she loved and did it well. She is loved and will be sorely missed.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 16th at 1:30 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Westlake Village, CA.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Mary Health of the Sick Skilled Nursing Facility in Newbury Park, CA.