ANN F. KOLKER

 
ANN F. KOLKER  
Ann F. Kolker, 75, passed away on February 3, 2016 at her home in Washington, D.C. after a long and valiant battle with ovarian cancer and leukemia. She was born in Chicago September 3, 1940, where she grew up in the Hyde Park neighborhood. She graduated from Vassar College in 1962. In 1967 she married Peter Kolker , and they had three children, Daniel (Cara Spencer), Alexander, and Carlyn (Troy Phipps) and four grandchildren, Eve, Noah, Caleb and Zeke. Active in women''s political and health issues, Ann was an early member of the National Women''s Political Caucus, and was present at the creation of EMILY''s List. She worked at the National Women''s Law Center on health policy and women''s equality issues and related legislation, advocating for the passage of the Family Medical Leave Act.Ann was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1996, and turned this disease into an opportunity. Realizing that there was not then a unified national voice to advocate for ovarian cancer research, she was a founder of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, serving as its first executive director. Later, she worked on health and economic issues with Wider Opportunities for Women (WOW). She continued her work as a consultant and served on multiple committees representing the views of patients in the design and development of clinical trials affiliated with the National Cancer Institute.Most of all, Ann was the keystone of her family, participating actively in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She had a keen intellect which she used throughout her life and was a loyal and involved friend to many. The celebration of Ann''s life will be held on Sunday February 14, at 11 a.m. at Temple Sinai, 3100 Military Rd., NW, Washington, DC. The family will be receiving guests at their home Thursday February 4 and Friday February 5, from 6 to 9 p.m.