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Formerly of Arlington Heights
On May 27, 1935-Ann began her journey- touching those she met. Ann died on June 14, 2009, but her impact will continue to be felt by all of those who knew and loved her. Ann was born in a taxi, enroot to the hospital, in Chicago IL. She died at home, in Holland Michigan. Her joy in living in this wondrous place was new every morning. She could watch the lake, be a part of witnessing the force and beauty of nature and her gaze her last sunset, provided to her by her Maker, to show His splendor. Her faith, in Jesus Christ, was lived out daily and He was her comfort in the end. Ann Marie was a daughter of Alice Marie (Beutel) and Dudley Christian Rix. Ann enjoyed being the youngest of 3 girls. Her sister Marge (Rix) Kohs, lives in Tempe, Arizona and Doris (Rix) Leander, died peacefully this past April.
Ann lived life with the love of learning and adventure. Everyday was a gift and the daily goal was to have a new experience, reach out to people and show kindness and understanding. Ann’s appreciation for the people in her life was known to those she loved.
Ann’s best friend, partner and devoted husband Robert Scanlan, will miss and treasure her and count the many blessings of their 53 year marriage. Ann and Bob met in high school. Their courtship was fun, romantic and took place on beaches and around water and boating. It is no surprise the shores of Lake Michigan, would be the future site of many family vacations and where memories would be made throughout their life together. Ann was grateful to have spent her life with the man she loved and to have lived a successful marriage, giving and receiving grace, mercy and forgiveness. She knew this was one of the greatest gifts she would leave her children.
Ann was the loving and proud mother of seven children. Ann’s children have been the largest source of celebration in her life. Ann nurtured each child and their strengths, gifts and talents, believing that each child is a gift from God to be fully developed: spiritually, mentally and physically, to go into the world and be a healthy, contributing person. Carol (Scott) Woodin, Scott, David (Elizabeth), Linda (Steve) Znachko, Jane (Doug) Guffy, Tom (Shannon) and Julie (Mike) Soyka. Ann adored her 29 precious grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. They will cherish all the memories made with their Nana in Arlington Heights and on the beach of ScanCastle, in Macatawa and Holland MI. Ann’s time on the shores of Lake Michigan created an intergenerational legacy that will joyfully live on. She leaves us having taught that a reconciled relationship is always more important that being right or finding blame.
Ann’s life was dedicated to family, and a connectedness to community and learning. Even as a girl and young woman, Ann was involved in school clubs, committees and social groups. Ann played piano, as a girl and never lost her desire to go to the Chicago Symphony and the Grand Rapids Symphony orchestras. After graduating from Steinmetz High School, Ann was married and postponed college until after her seventh child was a young girl. Ann’s tenacity enabled her to juggle a full-time education while raising her children. At 1 time Ann joined 2 of her own children, in the ranks of “college student”. She graduated from DePaul University and went on to complete her Masters, at the Adler Institute. Ann worked/served as a Family Therapist, in the Arlington Heights area. This was one of the most rewarding times of her life. She impacted lives and helped people. Ann found working with people a privilege, that she never took for granted. She believed that learning and examining ones own life -is a life long process. She was an inspiration to family, life-long friends and clients, well beyond the limits of time.
Both Holland Michigan and Arlington Heights, were considered “home” and are communities that are enriched by the roots that Ann established and the fruit she produced. Ann enjoyed the fellowship at St. James Church (Arlington Hts.,IL.) and attended Central Weslyan Church (Holland, MI.) Ann volunteered countless hours over the past 60 years, within a wide variety of groups. Ann’s unique leadership gave organizations renewed energy, additional purpose and an expanded vision. Ann served, taught, nurtured and encouraged the people she touched to be everything God has planned for them to be, to tap into their potential and to utilize their talents. The St. James Catholic Women’s ministry grew-in direction and size under Ann’s vision and leadership, in the early years. The impact of this ministry was so significant on Ann’s life and was a source of deep and lasting friendships. This was a pattern in Ann’s life.
Ann and Bob’s most satisfying endeavor as been The Scott Scanlan Learning Center, established, in 1993, in memory of her their Scott. Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, Illinois, is home to this student outreach program. The center’s mission reflects Ann’s heartfelt belief that each student has a unique learning style and that everyone is valued and teachable. The Scanlan Learning center serves more students each year and has become a cornerstone for students, as they enjoy success at Saint Viator High School. Named for their oldest son Scott- she will be at his side, once again, at Acacia Cemetery, in Chicago IL.
There are many life long friendships that Ann considered treasured gifts. She gave of herself generously and shared the love of fun, laughter and gathering at the table. She never missed the opportunity to serve a wonderfully prepared meal- all were welcome, at the table. Ironically, 1 of the groups of friends-“The Potluck Group”- has been like a bountiful smorgasbord, of memories, skiing, tennis and vacationing. Ann’s friendships were like a woven tapestry, each person and experience a thread creating a completed piece of artwork. Ann lived her days with an attitude of thanksgiving and celebration. She gave unconditionally. Ann’s unique calling to be a loving servant was lived out daily. Truth, honesty and integrity are character traits that Ann exhibited with equality, grace and dignity. Ann’s beauty, aqua marine blue eyes and #585 bright pink smile, coupled with a welcoming embrace warmed us to the end.
Remember her by living, loving and learning well, always-each day.
Visitation from 3:00 until 7:00 PM, Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., (4 blocks south of Palatine Rd.) Arlington Heights. Prayers 9:15 AM, Thursday, June 18, 2009 at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., to St. James Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights for Mass at 10:00 AM. Burial at Acacia Park Cemetery. Memorial Service at a later date at Central Wesleyan Church, Holland, Michigan.
Memorial Contributions may be made to The Scanlan Learning Center at Saint Viator High School, 1213 East Oakton St. Arlington Heights, IL. 6004 or Hospice of Holland 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423, https://www.hollandhospice.org.
Glueckert Funeral Home
(847) 253-0168
1520 North Arlington Heights Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004