Ann M. Dykstra

Ann (Dyk) has left such a big hole in our lives and our hearts. When she burst through the door of my dorm room the first day freshman year at college, I knew that she was someone special - such joy for life and a friend forever. She could send you into fits of laughter and joy with just a look and a smile.
She faced her cancer with such strength and concern for those around her...never putting the spotlight on herself. Although she had health issues, she had never been happier as she...

News of Ann's death arrived days after I walked at the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Association (MOCA) annual event in honor of a dear friend who is a 15 year survivor. Next year I will walk in honor of my friend and in memory of Ann. I always laugh when I remember Dykstra booking a seat on the airplane for "A. Cello" on her trip home to California!She was a vibrant member of the Lawrence community and my college days were richer for having known her.

I always remember Ann as a young woman, full of joy and passion for learning and those she loved. I am grateful to have known her at Lawrence and to have seen her at a few reunions afterwards. I know her loss will be felt by many for the rest of their/our lives and my heart goes out to all that loved her.

Ann was my "Big Sister" when I was a Delta Gamma at Lawrence. She was so full of life, and warmth and love I was thrilled when I learned she was my special sis. Her caring and fun personality made life so much richer when she was around. Although time and space have taken us on different paths, I have often thought of her fondly in the past 38 years, and I know the world is a better place because she lived.

I met Ann during our freshman year at Lawrence. What great fun it was to know her! Then, by chance, we met again in the lobby of the law school at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. I was just starting my first year of law school and Ann was working in the library while she decided what was next for her in life. Again, it was such fun to be around Ann with her exuberant and vibrant approach to life. She went on to Pennsylvania and we next crossed paths in Sacramento during one of...

I reiterate what Patty said below. We have known Ann since high school. She was a very special friend. Ann's memory from those days is synonymous with daily phone calls (many!), chocolate chip cookies & lemonade, huge rollers in her hair (juice cans), Clark Gable, and her cello on Saturday mornings. She was a supportive, fun-loving, and inspiring friend. I have been lucky to have had her in my life for such a long time.