I don't need a reminder because I think about her so often, especially today.   I remember her as the kindest, warmest person I have ever known and I miss her so very much.  All the best things in my life I owe to her.  In these angry, divisive times we especially need to think about how welcoming and accepting she was towards everyone, and try to be like her, and make this world a kinder and more loving place.  I teach Irish dancing now and I try so hard to be encouraging and positive, like she was, and pass on a little of the wonderful gift she gave me.

A beautiful, moving celebration of life for a wonderful woman. The world lost a real treasure. 

I’ve never witnessed a more inspiring celebration of life than this of Ann’s. I am a cousin who has lived far from her most of her adult life, and was thrilled to listen and learn so much. God bless Ann, and God bless Paul.

The best things I have in my life now I owe to Ann; music, dancing, friends, fun and my great husband of 30 years.  She made them all possible.  It was a very dark time in my life when I walked into her ceili class at Immaculate Heart of Mary school gym in 1989.  I was the world's shyest 38 year old and I was terrified, I almost turned tail and walked out.  But there was  Ann, with her kind, gentle, welcoming smile that lit up her whole face like sunshine and shed warmth on all around her.  She started with teaching basic steps.  I was terrible at it, but she was so patient and encouraging, I couldn't be scared.  When it came to doing some dances, everybody was so nice; I especially remember dear Fred Kedney.  The first time in my life I felt like I was welcome and like I belonged.  Ann and the kind atmosphere she created there made it possible for me to learn to talk to people and make friends.  The phone call when she invited me to join her Clann Na Cairdre performing group was the biggest thrill of my life.  I got D's in gym class because I was so awkward, and she wanted me to get on stage with her, who was just a lovely, graceful dancer!  Those performances  gave me some self confidence and made me feel like I was worth something for the first time in my life.  My new found social skills enabled me to meet my husband Ed through Ann's ceili's that she called at Tapestry Folkdance Center.  Now my husband and I have had our own performing group, Green Fire, for 20 years.  I  hope I have passed on to others her kind, encouraging style of teaching.

Dear Paul,  I was so sorry to hear about Ann.  I know you loved her dearly.  Take care friend.  

Elaine Berdan Kelash

When I think of Ann I see her smile and then I want to smile too. She had that kind of beauty. Some 30 years ago now I was a student at the University of Minnesota and lived in a Cedar Square West building. I walked by The Cedar Cultural Center on my way to and from school. One night I wandered into a Ceili dance where Ann was calling. It was magic. Music like I had never heard before and steps to fit the sound. Ann taught me my first basic steps and that changed my world forever. Another beautiful soul, Fred Kedney, offered to drive me to the Thursday night dance sessions at Immaculate Heart of Mary church in St Paul where Ann taught us to dance. Those were good times. Ann made that happen for me and I am forever grateful to her.

I often benefited from Ann's kind and patient Irish dance instruction. As I got to know her over the years, I saw that kindness and patience was how Ann touched the world. I am going to miss her smile, laughter, and will treasure the time I was was able to share with her. She left the world a better place. 

Ann was a remarkable teacher and friend. She was also an honorary aunt to her friends ' children, a beloved member of the Vintage Women, and an inseparable half of "PaulandAnn", the heart of any social gathering. Deepest sympathy to Paul and all who loved her.