Ann lived an incredible life. She had a wonderful family- kith and kin, including grandchildren (Augusta, Ina and Liam) and brothers Michael Ratner and David and sister-in-law Nancy Ratner, and their families whom she adored. She had wonderful relationships with her daughters Rebecca and Leila, which had grown over the years into mature friendships, and with her sons-in-laws, Tom and Sean. She and her friend, partner, lover, spouse, and collaborator Chip, shared their lives for sixty-six years.

Ann and Chip traveled widely around the world and in the US, to museums, archaeological and religious sites, gardens, and geological formations. She was an accomplished knitter, and loved color, textiles and art. She was committed to education, the arts and her community, and friends. Above all she was intellectually vibrant with a wonderfully eclectic, curious mind. She read voraciously including non-fiction archaeology and history books, and contemporary and world literature. She had a delightful quirky sense of humor.

Ann graduated cum laude from Beloit College in 1964, with a degree in Anthropology, and as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honors society.  She then worked as an Anthropology Grants Analyst in New York City before going into the U.S. Peace Corps and serving in India for two years. She obtained a school library certification and was the Librarian at the Folsom School in South Hero, VT. She also obtained a Master’s Degree in History from the University of Vermont and worked for many years at the UVM Fleming Museum, serving as the museum’s director before her retirement.

She lived in North Hero, Vermont for more than fifty years. She supported the North Hero Library and was one of the founding mothers of the Island Arts, serving continuously for forty-two years. She was especially dedicated to Island Arts scholarships and programs for children.

People will remember her elegant face with a marvelous aura of blood red hair, recently of burnished gold. She and her family valued their time with her during her last days, at home with a view of her beloved Lake Champlain, and a time of grace.

Gifts in Ann Porter’s memory can be made to Island Arts either by mail to PO Box 108, North Hero, VT 05474, or online at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/d…

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