Frances Ann (Leeds) Wootten

After 93 years of an exemplary life of ministering to others as a wife, mother, nurse, and friend “Ann” Wootten has joyfully joined family and friends who preceded her to heaven on Sunday, December 18, 2016. Born October 17, 1923 to Albert R. and Fanny (Thomas) Montgomery she was the oldest of four children. She was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Betty Jane, and brother, William “Bill” and his wife, Yvonne. Her remaining sibling, Thomas (Tom) Montgomery, and his wife, Janet, still reside in Paducah, Kentucky their home town. Her children, Edward and his wife, Donna, live in Grey, TN. Jane Leeds lives in Fredericksburg, VA and her youngest daughter, Suzanne Johnson and husband, David, live in Springfield, VA. Her grandchildren, Chris, Katie, Sarah and their families, are in Florida, California and Virginia, respectively. She has five great-grandchildren, four boys and one girl—Cole, Luke, Jacob, Thomas and Ava.

Ann was a retired registered nurse who worked at Fairfax Hospital for more than twelve years in the demanding role as a specialty-trained neurological nurse obtaining additional training at George Washington Hospital in Washington, DC. She returned to nursing after being an at-home mom and volunteer for her community, schools and church for many years. She was a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader, Little League Mom and did more neighborhood backyard summer lunches for kids than anyone we know.

Ann’s first husband, Edward W. Leeds, a communications specialist for AT&T, was the father of her three children. “Ed” was her spouse for nearly 32 years prior to his death on January 1, 1979. She was a widow for more than 20 years and no one was more surprised than Ann when she met and fell in love again in 2001 with another “Ed”, Edward Wootten, (Col, USAF, retired). They were married June 6, 2001. With three “Ed’s” in the family things got pretty interesting conversationally at times. The marriage added one more valued member to the clan with Ed Wootten’s daughter, Janet Wootten, a resident of New York City, joining in. “The Colonel” predeceased Ann this past August and was buried with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery in October of 2016 after fifteen happy years together. Interestingly, Col. Wootten’s late wife, Barbara, was a nurse too and both “Ed’s” served in the Army Air Force in WWII.

Until recent years Ann was an active member and “Little Angel” gift shop volunteer at her church, Nativity Catholic Church, in Burke, VA. Her work there wasn’t so much about retail as it was about ministering to those who needed a sympathetic ear and wise counsel. The slogan “Nurses never retire, they just get more patient” aptly described her deep compassion and sharing her love of God. Few people came away from knowing Ann without something of value, knowing her strength, and the goodness of God. We are all so much better for having her in our lives as our mother, wife, grandmother, aunt and friend. We look forward as a family in the days ahead of hearing stories, sharing memories and loving moments about Ann with all those who touched her life and knew her even if only for a relatively short time. She will be interred with her husband, Edward Leeds, at Fairfax Memorial Park following a funeral mass at Nativity Catholic Church. Rest in peace and love God’s “patient” servant.

In lieu of flowers a contribution may be made to the following charitable causes:

Leader Dogs for the Blind, 1039 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 or you may do it on-line using their website: www.LeaderDogs.org/donations

Contribution to Greenspring Hospice: Make check payable to “Greenspring” and mail to the Philanthropy Office: 7410 Spring Village Drive, Springfield, VA 22150. On the check’s memo line, please indicate “Hospice in memory of Ann Wootten”.