It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ann Arbor, a beloved soul whose vibrant spirit and enduring legacy touched the hearts of all who knew her. Ann, a lifelong resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and the community she cherished. She was 85 years young, a beacon of kindness, creativity, and resilience whose life story will forever resonate in the hearts of those she left behind.
Ann was born on March 15, 1940, in the heart of Ann Arbor, to her devoted parents, James and Eleanor Arbor. Raised in the nurturing embrace of this vibrant city, Ann grew up exploring the tree-lined streets, the Huron River’s gentle banks, and the bustling halls of the University of Michigan, where her curiosity and love for learning blossomed. A 1958 graduate of Pioneer High School, Ann went on to earn a degree in English Literature from the University of Michigan, a place she always called her “second home.” Her passion for storytelling and the arts shaped her life and inspired those around her.
Ann’s professional journey was as diverse as it was meaningful. She spent over three decades as a librarian at the Ann Arbor District Library, where her warm smile and encyclopedic knowledge welcomed countless patrons. Ann had a gift for connecting people with the perfect book, often sparking lifelong passions for reading. Her colleagues remember her as a mentor who fostered a love of learning and community, always ready with a kind word or a thoughtful recommendation. Even after retiring, Ann remained a fixture at local book clubs, sharing her love for literature with friends and neighbors.
Beyond her professional life, Ann was a pillar of the Ann Arbor community. She was an active member of the Ann Arbor Women’s City Club, where she forged lasting friendships over bridge games and spirited discussions. An avid gardener, Ann’s backyard was a haven of colorful blooms, reflecting her nurturing spirit and eye for beauty. She volunteered with the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, where her knowledge of native plants and dedication to environmental stewardship left a lasting impact. Ann’s love for the arts extended to her support of local theater and music, often attending performances at the Michigan Theater, where she could be seen clapping enthusiastically or shedding a quiet tear during a particularly moving show.
Ann’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Thomas Arbor, who preceded her in death in 2015. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures, from hiking in Nichols Arboretum to cozy evenings by the fireplace. Ann was a nurturing mother to her two children, Emily and Michael, and a doting grandmother to her five grandchildren, Lily, Ethan, Sophia, Jacob, and Ava. She never missed a school play, soccer game, or birthday, always ready with a homemade cookie and a heartfelt story to share. Her wisdom, warmth, and unwavering support were the cornerstone of her family, and her legacy lives on in the values she instilled in them.
Ann’s spirit was defined by her generosity and compassion. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel seen and valued, whether through a handwritten note, a thoughtful gesture, or simply listening with her full attention. Her love for Ann Arbor was infectious, and she took pride in sharing the city’s history and charm with newcomers and lifelong residents alike. Ann’s door was always open, her kitchen table a gathering place for neighbors, friends, and strangers who quickly became friends.
As we bid farewell to Ann, we celebrate a life well-lived, one that embodied the heart and soul of Ann Arbor. Her legacy is woven into the fabric of this community—through the stories she shared, the gardens she tended, and the lives she touched with her boundless kindness. While her absence leaves an ache in our hearts, her memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration.
Ann is survived by her children, Emily (Mark) Thompson and Michael (Sarah) Arbor; her grandchildren, Lily, Ethan, Sophia, Jacob, and Ava; her sister, Margaret Wilson; and countless friends and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas, and her parents, James and Eleanor.
A memorial service will be held on July 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, followed by a reception at the Ann Arbor Women’s City Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ann Arbor District Library or the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, causes close to Ann’s heart.
Rest in peace, dear Ann. Your light will forever shine in the streets of Ann Arbor and in the hearts of all who knew you.