ANN-CARACRISTI-Obituary

ANN ZEILINGER CARACRISTI

Washington, District of Columbia

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Washington, District of Columbia

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 ANN ZEILINGER CARACRISTI  (Age 94)  Of Washington, DC, passed away at her home on January, 10, 2016. Ann was born in Bronxville, New York, to Virginius "Victor" Zeilinger and Jessie Donald Caracristi on February 1,1921. She graduated from Russell Sage College and began her career...

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Today there was an article in the New York Times entitled "What We Can Learn from Women in Wartime." The author of this op-ed mentioned that Ann, "together with a schoolteacher from West Virginia" broke a code that enabled the American military to pinpoint the location of Japanese troops. Do you know who that schoolteacher from West Virginia was? Could it have been USN Lt. Ruth Tonry (Veverka)? My mother also worked in that attic. I am sorry for Ann's passing. Ruth passed on October...

Dear Ann. It is with both joy and sadness that I received the news of your departure. With sadness because we will not be able to go for a meal together again and tell each other fascinating stories over a glass of wine. With joy because you are now permanently in our hearts and and in our minds as we rejoice of your graceful and humble spirit. This reminds me of the quote that I recall in moments such as these: We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings...

The world has lost a great lady, and the country owes a debt of gratitude to Ann for her years of great service. She will be long remembered for her professionalism, grace and contributions to the business of national intelligence and the cryptologic world. We will miss her, remember her, and keep her in our thoughts and hearts. Best to her family and loved ones. With great respect, Bill Studeman

Ann was one of the most respected and beloved NSAers of all time. She was always gracious and kind to everyone she met and what an intellect she had. More than ever America is in need of people like Ann. I will always remember her fondly for all the support she gave to me at the NCM before and during the time she spent on the NCMF BoD. A great lady in every sense of the word!

Farewell to a GREAT LADY -- the finest "boss" that I ever served at NSA. It was my good fortune to have been selected by her as her Executive Secretary during her years as D/DIRNSA. She was a most caring and concerned friend. I told her once that I considered her my "surrogate mother". She also had a terrific sense of humor. I will always remember her reaction to my answer when she asked me about my favorite music (this was 1980-1982 -- Saturday Night Fever era): I quickly responded...

It was my honor to have been an Administrative Assistant for Ann in the 1960's. Wonderful to work for. The best. She will be missed. Dick Burke

Our thoughts from the family of the late David Gaddy. Martha, Cathy

A most gracious, knowledgeable and professional person. I had the pleasure of working for Ms. Caracristi when she served in office and group positions. Her advancement to Deputy Director, NSA, until her retirement in 1982 underscored her excellence as a manager. She was well regarded by all. Another member of the 'greatest generation' lost to us all...