Obituary for Ann Marie Stratton
Ann Marie Stratton, age 72, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 25th at her home in Essex surrounded by the love of her family.
Ann was born on December 4th, 1948 in Rutland, Vermont to John Orzech and Florence Falco and was the oldest of six children. She grew up in Burlington and graduated from Rice High School in 1966. She attended UVM School of Dental Hygiene, deciding to forgo that path to raise a family. When her kids were older, she volunteered in Essex Town schools and then worked as an instructional assistant at Founders Memorial school for thirteen years. She was a finishing artist for Marty Sculpture in Essex and was an active member of the United Methodist Women’s Hospitality and Mission Committee - serving as Craft Fair Chairperson.
Ann married Ken Stratton, her loving husband of 52 years, on December 31, 1968 in Burlington, VT. She remarked that her most important and fulfilling job was as a wife, mother and grandmother - raising her two children, Darlene and Kenney, and providing a loving environment for them and their friends. She cherished her two grandchildren, Leah and Jackson, who will always share a special bond with their “Mimi”.
Ann was an inspiration and a role model of kindness, compassion, generosity and grace. She genuinely cared about others, continually warming our hearts with her endless smiles and gentle hugs. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, painting, traveling, dancing, skating, going for walks, riding her bicycle, playing games, and watching movies. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and friends.
Ann is survived by her husband Ken, their son Kenney, daughter Darlene, granddaughter Leah, and grandson Jackson. She will be missed every day of our lives.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service to celebrate Ann’s life on Saturday, August 28th at 2:00pm at the Shelburne United Methodist Church, 30 Church Street, Shelburne, Vermont. A reception in the church hall will immediately follow the service. Please note: In consideration of everyone's health and safety, those who wish to attend the memorial service will be asked to wear masks while inside the building. People will be invited to visit inside the church hall following the service. Light refreshments will be provided outside (weather permitting). The church requests that people do not attend the service if they are not vaccinated.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the ALS Foundation for Life (https://www.alsfoundation.org/give/). Please visit the A.W. Rich website (awrfh.com) to share your memories and condolences.
Ann was born on December 4th, 1948 in Rutland, Vermont to John Orzech and Florence Falco and was the oldest of six children. She grew up in Burlington and graduated from Rice High School in 1966. She attended UVM School of Dental Hygiene, deciding to forgo that path to raise a family. When her kids were older, she volunteered in Essex Town schools and then worked as an instructional assistant at Founders Memorial school for thirteen years. She was a finishing artist for Marty Sculpture in Essex and was an active member of the United Methodist Women’s Hospitality and Mission Committee - serving as Craft Fair Chairperson.
Ann married Ken Stratton, her loving husband of 52 years, on December 31, 1968 in Burlington, VT. She remarked that her most important and fulfilling job was as a wife, mother and grandmother - raising her two children, Darlene and Kenney, and providing a loving environment for them and their friends. She cherished her two grandchildren, Leah and Jackson, who will always share a special bond with their “Mimi”.
Ann was an inspiration and a role model of kindness, compassion, generosity and grace. She genuinely cared about others, continually warming our hearts with her endless smiles and gentle hugs. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, painting, traveling, dancing, skating, going for walks, riding her bicycle, playing games, and watching movies. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and friends.
Ann is survived by her husband Ken, their son Kenney, daughter Darlene, granddaughter Leah, and grandson Jackson. She will be missed every day of our lives.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service to celebrate Ann’s life on Saturday, August 28th at 2:00pm at the Shelburne United Methodist Church, 30 Church Street, Shelburne, Vermont. A reception in the church hall will immediately follow the service. Please note: In consideration of everyone's health and safety, those who wish to attend the memorial service will be asked to wear masks while inside the building. People will be invited to visit inside the church hall following the service. Light refreshments will be provided outside (weather permitting). The church requests that people do not attend the service if they are not vaccinated.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the ALS Foundation for Life (https://www.alsfoundation.org/give/). Please visit the A.W. Rich website (awrfh.com) to share your memories and condolences.