Ann Theresa Ripepi

Ann (Anne) Theresa Damasco Ripepi loved life and lived it fully. She died peacefully in her home at the age of 93.

Born in Philadelphia to Amelia and Antonio Damasco, Ann dreamed of going to New York to become an opera singer. Instead, she married her first and only love, James D. Ripepi, in 1950 shortly after he graduated from medical school. Though different in many ways, Ann and Jim shared a deep love of music, books and family. After living in Delaware, Texas, Verdun (France) and Minnesota during Jim’s medical residencies and military service, she and Jim returned to Philadelphia where they bought their first home and first piece of furniture, a Steinway piano. Jim’s favorite piece was Debussy’s Clair de Lune while Ann’s favorite was anything with lyrics. It was here that they began raising their four children, Amelia (Amy), Joan, Anita and Jonathan. In 1968, they moved to Denver where Ann filled her life with her children and her two favorite hobbies, singing and gardening. She often said that these were among the happiest years of her life. She sang in the church choir at Notre Dame Catholic Church, was a Cub Scout and Girl Scout troop leader, volunteered with the Children’s Chorale, led Junior Great Books programs, handled Jim’s medical practice, planned countless family road trips, and made certain that all her children learned to play piano (whether they wanted to or not).

After Jim died (1979), Ann taught English as a second language in the Denver Public School system and brought her mother to live with her. In “retirement,” Ann traveled with her daughters to Italy, toured Russia and China with Denver’s Classic Chorale, swam at the Y, ushered at Colorado Symphony concerts, volunteered to help Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential bid, and spent time with her beloved grandsons. She became active in the Italian American Business Association and was honored as Member of the Year in 2011. Never one to stop dreaming or doing, in her 80’s she started her own business teaching Italian, a passion that she shared with her many students and gained her many new friends. Her favorite word was “avanti” meaning “to move forward, to advance.” And that is how she lived her life.

Ann is survived by her four children Amy Ripepi (Garry Grasinski), Joan Anderssen (Cliff Heller), Anita Ripepi, and Jonathan Ripepi (Cris Ripepi); her three grandsons, Eric James Anderssen, Carl Anderssen (Whitney Anderssen), and Jaydon Ripepi; and her great-grandson, Matthias Anderssen.

Donations can be made in Ann’s name to A Little Help; Colorado Children’s’ Chorale; or the Great Books Foundation.