Dr. Ann Wright will always be remembered as a great mentor- one who took me on as a teacher's assistant during my sophomore year at Canisius College and later a part of the extended Gow School family where I taught English side-by-side with her husband Jay. I will always remember her constant smile, the look of searching and wondering about the world around her that persisted in her eyes and the time in class when she looked at my group's data after I volunteered as the participant for a data set on active, resting, and recovery heart rate and applied a Thai Chi technique during the process.  

As she went from group-to-group, and she came across our data, her initial reaction was, "You made a mistake in your measurements." 

I non-chalantly responded, "No, we didn't." 

She took a second look, looked at me, and asked, "You run track, right?" 

"I do." 

She looked again, "There's still a mistake."

"I used a Thai Chi technique to slow my heart rate." 

She looked again.  Looked at me and with a slight smile said, "Maybe." 

Her trust and confidence in my abilities as a teacher at such a young age was a catapult into what has become a nearly two decade journey in teaching since those years.  This trust extended so much, that she even split the class and allowed me to separately teach those students that were struggling the most.  I was obviously nervous about this, but her trust and what she obviously saw in me was spot on and these students proved to show tremendous growth and shined in their final assessments so much so that she was even surprised. 

Thank you Dr. Ann Wright for all that you gave me.

I first met Dr. Wright as a student at Canisius College and had the pleasure of working alongside her as her teacher's assistant and as a recipient of the Howard Hughes Grant, where I created and taught biology and human anatomy lessons in the Buffalo City Public Schools.  As fate would have it, my first teaching job was alongside her husband at The Gow School.  Dr. Wright always had the most positive outlook on life, and I will never forget the influence that both her and Jay had on my life.  My condolences go out to the entire family. I am saddened that I am just finding out about your passing. May your smile continue to reach the hearts of those that knew you well and live on in their spirits.

I am so sorry to learn of Ann's passing.  We were friends as kids and I benefited immeasurably from that friendship and from being acquainted and supported by her family. Thoughts to you all.

"Ann was a friend and colleague for almost 20 years.  She was always quick to volunteer to lend a hand in any project on which we were collaborating.  She was cheerful and optimistic and certain that we could overcome whatever the current problem was.  Her contributions to the work of our research group were many and significant.  I will miss her spirit and her intellect as the work she was so interested in continues. -  Joel Michael

Ann was a remarkably kind and gracious individual, always ready to share of her time and talents.  She had an irrepressibly buoyant outlook, a zest for life, a gentle spirit and a love for learning.  She had a deep concern for the wellbeing of her students and was beloved by students and colleagues alike.  She was a blessing to all who knew her.   I will miss her deeply. - Bill Cliff

She was an amazing spirit, a friend and a most helpful and patient colleague  I will miss her.   - Jenny McFarland

She has been on my mind every day lately.  I will miss her. - Harold Modell

The world has lost such an optimistic and good person (and there are not of them!).  - Mary Pat Wenderoth

I am so sorry.  Ann was a wonderful person.

Jay, Tressie and Albert!  

My heart goes out to you all.  I will love and treasure Ann forever.

Genny Matteson

Jay,  Ann had so many friends and colleagues because she was a kind caring friend and trusted, respected colleague to so many.  Her impact was massive at Canisius College, UB, the Buffalo Public Schools.  She is missed already by many.  I was honored to be her Advisor at UB and treasure our interaction. She was one of a kind!!!!  Rod Doran

Jay,

I am so grateful for all the things you and Ann have done for me. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

- Ramon

We are so very sorry to hear of Dr. Wright/Ann passing. She was such an inspiration to me, not only as my collegue, but as a very dear friend. Jay , Ramon and I are here for you and your family.  She will be missed. We will continue to keep you in our prayes and thoughts.
Tanya and Ramon Jr. (Buffalo)

Jay, Tressie and Albert,
I am sorry for your loss., Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Mr. Wright,

I am so sorry to hear of Ann's passing. You and your family will be in my prayers.

-Ben

Ann was the kindest person I have ever have known. I will always cherish the memories we have shared and I regret not having the opportunity to make more. Your suffering is over my friend and you fought fiercely.  My heart breaks for your family and friends. Your love will be in our hearts always.

OBITUARY

Ann F.W. Wright

May 1, 1952 – August 6, 2016

Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home

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