Ann Welch Mickey

Ann Welch Mickey, 92, passed away on January 29, 2013 at Homestead Village in Lancaster. Her loving husband Robert was by her side. Ann was born on February 27, 1920 and grew up in Oakland, California with her parents Stanley and Gertrude Welch. Extended family lived nearby. In 1942, Ann graduated with an Economics degree from the University of California, Berkeley. She married Bob Mickey and they headed by train to New Haven, CT. During the war, Bob was interim pastor at the Mystic, CT Congregational Church. Ann worked in the shipyard office of the Electric Boat Co. in Groton, was involved with youth and young adult programs and other church activities. In 1946, they moved to New York. Ann worked on Wall Street, supporting them as Bob earned his teaching credentials. Ann’s brightness and gift for multi-tasking were much in evidence. Ann and Bob came to Lancaster in 1950. They lived on Lemon Street, close to F&M, where Bob taught, and close to St. Peter’s UCC where Ann was very involved. In 1952 they welcomed their daughter Sarah Elizabeth and in 1954, their son David John. Ann flourished as a happy mother raising her active family. She created a warm and loving home for family and friends. When David recovered from a serious childhood illness, he faced learning difficulties. Ann’s observations, research and loving efforts enabled him to advance and motivated him to pursue his education. With both children settled into high school, Ann pursued courses at Millersville and began to teach Special Education in Lancaster County. Ann is known best by many as a devoted and gifted teacher. She was a remarkable diagnostician and strove to bring out the highest potential of each child she taught. She excelled in this new role, earning respect and awards for her abilities. Ann built devoted friendships with teachers and families that continued more than 30 years beyond her retirement. In 1975, Sarah married Glenn Moore. The family was growing. In 1980, grandson Gregory Cameron was born. Ann reveled in her new role as Nana! In 1983, Alan Christopher was born and family celebrations expanded with birthdays, holidays, graduations and get-togethers throughout each year. Ann continued to be actively involved at church and with her many friends. She was a proud member of Art Class and enjoyed their scholarly pursuits. She researched and prepared many presentations on diverse topics. After her 1986 retirement from teaching in the Lancaster County and City School systems, Ann and Bob traveled. They traveled in every direction, from England and Wales (family history) to the Pacific Northwest, New England to the South. They visited Israel and Palestine and, for their 50th anniversary, took the whole family west to New Mexico and Colorado. Ann and Bob chose Homestead Village as their final home. They loved their villa, the closeness with friends and accessibility to F&M activities and their familiar community. Lancaster was their home for 63 years. In addition to her husband of 70 years, Ann is survived by her daughter Sarah Moore (Glenn); daughter-in-law Maria Mickey; grandsons Greg Moore (Melanie), Alan Moore (Kristin) and Kale Millisock. She was preceded in death by her son David John Mickey. We joyfully celebrate the life of Ann Mickey. Ann was a wonderful and loving daughter, wife, mother, Nana, teacher and friend. We cherish her eternal brightness. Ann’s family gathered privately to remember her special life. We welcome you to share personal memories and comments. Memorials in her name may be made to the Lancaster Foundation for Educational Enrichment, 445 N. Reservoir Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.

Ann Welch Mickey

February 11, 2013