WILMINGTON, MA — Ann Blanche Wertheimer Rich, 84, of Wilmington, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2019, at the Lahey Hospital in Burlington, MA.
Ann was born in Chicago to Bert & Blanche Wertheimer on March 20, 1935. She graduated from Brandeis University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology 1957. Ann worked as a biologist, schoolteacher, and IT professional in the early years of computers.
Ann married Don Rich on June 10, 1967 in Boston; the couple moved to Wilmington in 1969 where they raised their two boys. Ann was very active in the community; she was actively involved in church groups at the Wilmington Congregational Church, she was a Scout Leader with the Cub Scouts and active in the Boy Scouts of America. Ann, along with her husband Don were very involved in the Wilmington Kiwanis Club throughout the years; they volunteered at many local charities with the Kiwanis and were involved in the yearly “Fun on the Fourth” activities with Kiwanis. Ann served as the President of the Wilmington and later as the Lt. Governor of The New England Kiwanis Clubs. Ann continued to give of her time and talents with the NEHSA program at Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire where she helped those with physical handicaps learn to ski. Ann was also very encouraging with others TOPS and TWIGS programs.
Ann will be fondly remembered for her love and devotion to her family and friends; she treasured the great times they spent together. Ann was always giving towards others and she will forever be missed.
Ann is preceded in death by both her parents, who passed away when she was a very young girl. She was raised by her grandmother and aunt Marie Leffler Sohrauer and Jennette Wertheimer who were very special to her.
Ann is survived by her husband Don Rich, their sons, David and his wife Ginny Rich (Naples, FL), Paul and his wife Jennifer Rich (Tewksbury, MA), sister Lois Balk, and grandchildren Devin Rich, Ashley Rich, Jessica Rich, and Cyrus Rich.
Family and friends gathered for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62) Wilmington, on Monday, November 11th from 2:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00 p.m. Ann’s Funeral Service took place on Tuesday, November 12th at 11:00 a.m. in the Wilmington Congregational Church, 220 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, with the Pastor Emanuel Oglice officiating. Burial followed at Wildwood Cemetery in Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann’s memory may be made to the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute, Attn: Aashka Shah, 800 Washington St. #344, Boston, MA 02111.
(NOTE: The above obituary is from Nichols Funeral Home.)
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