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Ann Findley Obituary

Ann Marie Findley, 54, of Salem, Va., surrounded by her loving family at home, slipped into the arms of her Lord on Tuesday, February 3, 2009. She was preceded in death by her father, John William Mello Sr.; and her mother, Alice Carberry Walker. Left behind to cherish her memory is her loving husband, Ronald N. Findley and son, Adam Bradley Clapp, of Salem; daughter, Crystal Jean Mello; and grandchildren, Shayla Ann Elizabeth Mello and Braylon Storm Mello, of Shawsville; brother and sister-in-law, John W. Jr. and Pam Mello, of Roanoke; and sister, Jane Carol Jacintho of Massachusetts. She is also survived by her second family including stepchildren, Kimberly Ayrin Vann and children, Jacob, Connor, Emma and Isabelle Vann; Kristin Morgan Findley and son, Landen Neal Conner, of Vinton; Jessica Lynn Findley and daughter, Dakota Riley Welch; and Julie Marie Findley, of Roanoke. Ann was a loving, giving, and dedicated Christian and used her gifts as a CNA at several nursing facilities in the Roanoke Valley and worked for a number of years as an Assistant Teacher at Minnick Education Center. Following earning her B.A. degree from Radford University, she was employed with Blue Ridge Behavioral Health Care as a Case Manager, serving with heart and compassion those with serious mental illness through the Assisted Living Facility (ALF) program, and more recently, with the Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT). She was a past member of the Board of Directors of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of the Roanoke Valley (NAMI) as well as an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Salem, having played a key role in developing children's ministries and was past President of the United Methodist Women. The family will receive visitors at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem on Thursday, February 5, 2009, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. A service to celebrate her life will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2009, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 845 Hemlock Road, Salem, Va., with Pastors Tim Gearheart and Emory N. Tarpley officiating. Interment will follow at St. Andrew's Diocesan Cemetery, 3601 Salem Tpke., N.W., Roanoke. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making donations to Good Samaritan Hospice Inc. 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, Va. 24018 and The American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, Ste. 106-A, Roanoke, Va. 24018. Online condolences may be made to the family at johnmoakey.com. The Findley family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Va., 540-389-5441.

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Published by Roanoke Times on Feb. 5, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ann Findley

Not sure what to say?





Ann Marie and I think this was 1966

Jane Jacintho

July 24, 2010

Theresa Laliberte-Padgett

February 14, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Sharon McGuire Bill's Auto Sales

February 10, 2009

Ron, we just heard about the passing of your wife. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if we can help in any way.

Christina Schoendorf

February 9, 2009

Ann was a true "helper" and a gifted social worker. There was never a mountain to high to climb when it came to meeting the needs of her clients/family and friends. Ann had the amazing ability to find good in everyone. She was a true believer in individuals’ ability to change and improve their quality of life. She will be missed greatly.

sheril heard

February 8, 2009

Ron and family,
I only knew Ann a short time but I cheerish the times we talked,emailed and talked on the phone.When I went to see Ann before her passing I was sad cause she was in pain but I was able to make her smile and she laughed for me that was worth the trip.She is up in heaven wanting us to be strong and to carry on with the faith.If you guys need anything let me know.I told Ann she was a angel and now she's with God and the other angels in heaven,we will miss you till we see each other again.I love you,your sister in christ.

sheril heard

February 8, 2009

Ron and family,
I only knew Ann a short time and became closer than ever the last few months.Ann will be missed but she's not hurting anymore and she is looking down at us and she's wanting us to carry on,she will be in my thoughts and the family in my prays as well. Anything I can do to help please let me know.Keep the faith and God will guide us though this loss. May God bless you all.The day I came to visit her I made her laugh and smile that meant the world to me thank you Ann for being you.

love you ma. it's all yours now.

February 7, 2009

Rita Layne

February 7, 2009

Crystal,Adam and family,
I'm very sorry for your loss. Ann and I worked together many years ago. She was a kind, loving and very professional co-worker. I know she will be missed by all. May God comfort you during this difficult time.

Cam Doyle

February 6, 2009

I didn't know Ann very long but it was easy to see she cared more about others than herself. She must have been great for raising such a fine family. I will be here for the family and help however I can, Adam you know you are always welcome at the house, I'm always gonna be here to help

Tammy Solari

February 6, 2009

May God Bless you all during this difficult time. I knew Ann as a dedicated Case Manager and friend. She was an inspiration to all who knew her.

shirley sprouse

February 6, 2009

Adam and family, It was my pleasure to know Ann ever since you and Kalieb were little guys. She was always so sweet and kind and it was a pleasure to know her. May God give you peace during this time of grief. I have you all in my prayers. God Bless

CARL AND DAYNA SCHULTZ

February 6, 2009

TO ADAM, RON, AND FAMILY,
WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. ANN WILL BE TRUELY MISSED BY ALL.
IN OUR PRAYERS THE SCHULTZ FAMILY

Michelle Chittum

February 6, 2009

I had the honor and pleasure of working with Ann at BRBH for several years. She was a kind and caring woman.

Anthony Walker

February 5, 2009

Ann's Family,

May God keep you and sustain you with peace and wisdom at all times. Ann was a treasure for many here on earth, but she is shinning just as bright in heaven. Rejoice at all times for she is with the Lord!

Pam Cox

February 5, 2009

Adam -

My heart goes out to you and your family. Your Mom was a very special person and I feel fortunate to have known her. I will remember her always. Much love and deepst sympathies - Pam, Nick & Gweny

Darleen & Tom Nolette

February 5, 2009

To Ann's family,
I knew Ann a long time ago before she moved to Virginia and I have to say she did her best to keep in touch. She was a wonderful person and did a great job under the circumstances bringing up her children. We will miss her.

Travis and Leanne Cobb

February 5, 2009

Adam,
Always remember that we love you and are here for you with anything that you need. We will certainly cherish all the good times we had with your mom and miss her smiling face and generous heart. We know that she is smiling down on you and is so proud. God Bless you ALWAYS!!!

Vickie Guard

February 5, 2009

I am so sorry for you loss. Ann was such a caring, loving person. I truly admired her. She was so good to my parents (the Wyrick's), looking out for them and checking on them. I am grateful for all that she did. My heart aches for Adam and Ron. God bless all of you. I believe that all of our lives were truly enriched by having known such a special woman and I will truly miss her.

Julie & India Cox

February 5, 2009

Crystal & family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this time. Please know that your mom is in a better place and she does not have to suffer anymore. We love you!

Barbara Lawrence

February 5, 2009

Ronnie, Adam, and Crystal,
I met Ann in the year 2000' at VWCC/RU Social Work program. We went to school together for 4 years and graduated together in 2004. She was a wonderful student as you know. I knew then that she was going to be a powerful advoate for her clients. We also worked together in the old First Street bldg/BRBH. She was doing mental health supports, and I was working in the ALF program. She took me out with her on several occassions, and we taught each other about our programs. Ann eventually transferred over into the ALF program. When we moved into the Burrell bldg. our programs were on the 4th floor and the elevator did not work half the time. I was big and pregnant and had problems with my leg. She met me outside every morning and carried my stuff for me and walked with me up the stairs.
Ann and I traveled around together many times seeing our clients in the ALF program. We ate lunch at Tai Pei on Melrose all the time! She was a friend, a coworker, and fellow student. You were all the better a person for knowing her! I will miss her! Barbara Lawrence

Ally Gray

February 5, 2009

To Ann's Family, I knew Ann through working together at Blue Ridge. She was a kind, compassionate person, whose friendship I will alway cherish. I will miss her, but know she is with the Lord and has no more pain and suffering. She was a special person to all who knew her. May God's peace and your memories of her comfort you as you grieve her passing.

Kathy Fleming

February 5, 2009

Ron & girls - I am so sorry for Ann's passing. She was such a sweet & kind lady. I know she loved her family very much. She has always been there for you all - no matter what. If there is anything I can do for any of you, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Rachel Brogan

February 5, 2009

I have many great memories with Ann through college and afterwards. She has been there for me through hard times and great times. I know she truly loves her family, friends, church family, and God. I know she is in Heaven. It is so nice having that assurance. You are all in my prayers. Your mother and wife is such an inspiration for all of how we should treat others.

Giles family

February 5, 2009

Adam, our hearts go out to you and Crystal as you grieve. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. 389-4005. Grab hold of the memories during this time of sorrow.

Vonitta Stuart

February 5, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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