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Ann E. Van Tassell

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University of Florida Virginia Tech

Ann Van Tassell Obituary

Ann E. Van Tassell (Ann Elizabeth Evans), stepped into the light of eternal love on Monday, November 16, 2009, in Blacksburg, Va., after 15 years of surviving breast cancer. Born in College Station, Texas, just in time for Thanksgiving, she spent most of her childhood in Rockville, Md., learning to love life and the beauty of the written word. Ann first went to Virginia Tech, and then transferred to the University of Florida, where she got her B.A in English and history. After working in the State Department Crisis Center for several years, she moved to Blacksburg in 1980 to spend the rest of her life with her beloved husband. In the Blue Ridge Mountains that she loved so much, she spent almost 30 years perfecting her special blend of calligraphic art. Her works ranged from framed commissioned pieces on homemade paper, to personal favorites etched on brass and copper as jewelry and garden art. As a substitute art teacher, she was known by "her kids" as the awesome Ms. VT and her works have been shown and sold throughout the east coast at art fairs and trade shows. She also was a perennial favorite for decades at events such as the Blacksburg YMCA Arts and Crafts Show and Steppin' Out. Ann spent her 54+ years trying to give thanks for the good in her life. She had so many passions: her family, scribes from across the world, companion travelers on the cancer path and letters in every possible form, from beautiful calligraphy, to historical novels, to not-so-random doodles. Preceding her into the light are her beloved parents, Benjamin H. Evans and Gwendolyn J. Evans; her sister, Sara Lynn Evans Marshall; and her motherin-law, Dema L. Van Tassell. She is survived by her husband, Roger; daughter, Jenica; son, Maxwell; and sister, Gail L. Evans. Those wishing to show their support, please send a donation to the American Cancer Society. A memorial service is being planned and will be held on a future date. The last message that Ann wanted to leave us all, is that,
"The only things that count in life, are the imprints of love that we leave behind us after we have gone."
(Albert Schweitzer).
Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, Va.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on Nov. 18, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ann Van Tassell

21 Entries

August 23, 2024

I never got to meet her but I have always loved her and her art

Jennifer Pegg

July 25, 2024

I have a beautiful piece of calligraphy art that I have enjoyed for years with the artists name on the back. I googled her name and found this page. I did not know the artist but her calligraphy art has been a piece I have enjoyed for a long time. So glad to have some info about her and know her through her art.

Claudine Saville

November 20, 2009

Roger,
My heart goes out to you and your family at this time and as the days pass. You are Ann are such wonderful people and I enjoyed so much working with you and talking with Ann over the past years.
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

November 19, 2009

Gee. What a gift to the world Ann was!
Such BEAUTIFUL, inspiring creations and such a wonderful person! One of her metal works hangs in our bath, so I'm reminded of her each day. Love to all, Virginia and Dick Bethune, Harrisonburg, Va

Donna Dow

November 19, 2009

My sympathies are with you. We all will miss Ann, her wit and wisdom in the cyberscribe community.

Though we never met I felt a connection with her through lettering and our love for Texas. After receiving an ATC from her about Texas, I sent her a Texas star sun catcher, I think of her when I look at mine. She was a treasure.

I continue to pray for your family as you go through the grieving process.

Ann Miller

November 19, 2009

I feel as though I have known Ann forever. I knew her through Cyberscribes and we exchanged personal notes over the last few years. She shared wisdom, warmth and fun and always deep kindness and understanding.

Gerald Moscato

November 18, 2009

I would like Anne's family to know how much she meant to my late wife Chris and me during Christine's battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She sent beautiful cards that made Chris smile with wonder. And she wrote encouraging words which helped me assist myChris during those last few months. For that, I loved Anne as a true friend and confidant. And now it saddens me so to learn of her passing. My deep sympathies to all the family. She definitely left a love imprint on those who counted in her life.

ALICE TURAK

November 18, 2009

I met Ann through Cyberscribes an online community of calligraphers. She was warm, generous and courageous and will be missed.

Sandy Odom

November 18, 2009

My deepest sympathy to Ann's family. I didn't know her personally, but followed her postings on Cyberscribes and Facebook.

Collene Kalb

November 18, 2009

Dear Roger, Jeni, Max and Gail,
Your precious Ann E Van Tassell was one of the first to make me welcome when I joined Cyberscribes, oh so many years ago, we shared many emails, exchanges, and lots of silly stuff, that always made me smile. Doodly as her nickname became, was always doodling in voice, snipets of information, Art and our love of Dragons. In 2001 when I said that I was coming to the USA to go to Conference in Boston, she was so excited that it was infectious. My excitement grew, to know that I would finally meet this wonderful bubbly lady I had gotten to know over the big pond. She took me under her wing, we were in the same classes, sat next to each other and shared many an evening in the Dorm, with our glasses raised always at the end of another Lettering Day. This little Aussie will always smile as she looks up at the Pin/badge she gave me in Boston, it is one that she made..it is a cartoon of herself, with lettered quote "We are all remarkable women", I also have one of her Wild Women Pins, and will now wear it often in memory of her..Collene in Oz..Australia..

November 18, 2009

Gail, Just want you to know that I'm thinking of you. Please let me know if there is anything you need. You're in my thoughts and prayers. I have always enjoyed talking with you and Ann and will cherish the caligraphy and jewelry I have that she created. Mary Allen Woerner

Mary Woerner

November 18, 2009

Rosie Huart

November 18, 2009

I have never met this wonderful lady by the name of Ann E. Van Tassell. I wish I had. Only through the beautiful remembrances of cyberscribes throughout the world have I been able to touch the hem of her life. My condolences to her beloved family and friends. She definitely has left her mark on many lives.

November 18, 2009

I knew Ann through cyberscribes and although we never met we discovered many things in common besides our love of letters--our children were involved in OM, we read the same books, we laughed at the same things. Ann was always ready to spread joy. She didn't let her battle keep her down but concentrated on living life to the fullest. The calligraphy community will sorely miss her.
Wendy Cowley
Burnaby, B.C. Canada

November 18, 2009

Dear Roger and Max,

I was shocked and saddened to read of Ann's passing. Her caligraphy brightens the walls of my home. I will never forget all the years of OM and Cub Scouts and all the fun we had together. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Sheila Rodenhizer (Heath) Black
Roanoke, VA

Laura Wedin

November 18, 2009

Roger, Jeni, Max and Gail,

Your family has woven a thread through my family's life in our many years here in Blacksburg. I knew Gail while a student at Virginia Tech in the theatre arts dept. I later knew Ann with our children at lab school and then public school and PTA. I knew Roger in my years with the Anaerobe Lab. I had the opportunity at different times to meet Ben, Gwen and Lynn. And now Ann will join them. Ann was always positive and seemed sustained through so many trials by her love and practice of art. In Ann's honor, I am wearing my "Wild Woman" VT pin - handmade by her, given to me by a very dear friend. My thoughts, prayers and heart are with you.

Sandra Eileen

November 18, 2009

Ann was a generous spirit who will be remembered and missed by many.

She demonstrated in many ways, the true joy of living.

My thoughts are with each of her family members and loved ones.

Mary Madis

November 18, 2009

My heart goes out to everyone in the family. I didn't know her well but she seemed like a great lady with a wonderful sense of humor. My thoughts are with you all.
/Mary

November 18, 2009

Dear Roger, Jennie and Max,
I am so sorry. Your wife and mom was a wonderful person and she always made those around her smile a bit bigger. You are in my prayers. Lee Anne Hoppe

November 18, 2009

Roger, Gail, Jeni, and Max,

There are no words that will voice how much I will miss Ann. I hoped this day would never come in my lifetime! Please know that I am thinking about you all and am available if you need anything.

Love and {{hugs}},

Mishell Evans

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