ANN COMPTON STEPHENS

Ann Compton Stephens "Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away." George Carlin Ann Compton Stephens devoted wife of 55 years to Ellis Major Stephens and adoring Mother to Susan Magaziner, Bruce Stephens and Rebecca DiDomenico and Mother-in Law to Stephen Perry, peacefully passed away on November 17, 2010. "Dear" as she was affectionately called by her three grandchildren, Samuel Magaziner, Ryder Perry and Thomas Cole Perry was a legend of strength, gratitude, creativity and service among her family and friends. Ann was born in Montclair, New Jersey on December 12, 1921 to Dorothy Danforth Compton and Randolph Parker Compton. She had a deep bond with her three brothers, Dan, James and John Parker who passed before her. John Parker, Ann's youngest brother's tragic death during W.W.II at age 20 was a life changing event for the Compton lineage. The tragedy ignited the families philanthropic passion to channel their resources into world betterment and was responsible for the emergence of The Compton Foundation. Ann served as Vice President of the Compton Foundation for many years along with the President, her twin brother, James Compton, who passed away in 2006. Ann was a pioneer in the field of population, women's reproductive rights, world peace and the environment. She had a pivotal role in the support and worldwide availability of emergency contraception. Ann was President of the Marin Symphony from 1976 to 1978, ever an enthusiastic supporter of music and the arts. She was an active member of the community, teaching 'Great Books' and art at Ross School. Ann and Ellis opened their home for many years to students from Germany and France whom they welcomed into their lives. They embraced the six children of the Fischer family from Freiburg, Germany as their own children. All of our lives have been inspired by Ann's sense of wonder, purpose, exuberance and above all her giving and compassionate nature. True to her family's creed, Ann expressed an insatiable appetite for the adventure of life. "I dare you to aspire nobly, adventure daringly, serve humbly." She was "one of the audacious few who faced life courageously ready to strike straight at the heart of anything that kept her from her best." (Quotes from William Henry Danforth). She received her MSW from Columbia School of Social Work, which was the beginning of a lifelong journey manifesting in an all abiding love of humanity and curiosity about individual expression. Ann noticed and celebrated all things from the natural world: sunlight, rain, trees, plants, animals, birds, the ocean, the silvery moon and even the tiniest, pale wild flower. She had the deepest respect for creativity expressed through art, music, dance and literature. Ann published books about family, poetry, the love of language and art designed to bring out the childlike nature inside all of us. "It takes a long time to become young." Pablo Picasso In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Golden Gate Planned Parenthood, The Marin Symphony, Headllands Center for The Arts or The California Academy of Science. There will be a celebration of her life at the Marin Art and Garden Center on Sunday, November 28th from 2-5pm. Car pools encouraged.