Ann B. VanAtta

1943 - 2016

Van Atta, Ann B.

Ann B. Van Atta was on born September 16, 1943 in Binghamton, NY. and died January 11, 2016 Binghamton, NY.

She was predeceased by her parents Clarence and Dorothy May Burruss. She is survived by her husband Nelson D. Van Atta, their three daughters and spouses, Julie Van Atta and Michael VanHousen, Laurie and Marc Newman, Shelly Van Atta and Jose Otero., her beloved grandchildren, Sofia Lebron, Francis Otero, Julia Otero, and Celia Newman. One of seven children, Ann is survived by her large and loving family Carolyn Babcock, Janice, Lobdell, Dorothy Powell, Diane Ludwig, Clarence Burruss and John Burruss. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones. Ann's large and vibrant life of friendships brought a bounty of joy, enrichment, and laughter throughout her life and to all that knew her.

Ann was a graduate of Binghamton High School and SUNY Geneseo where she studied biology and continued graduate work in Botany and Art History at Binghamton University with a focus on Fine Arts. A Master Gardner by trade, she founded Primrose Gardens Associates in 1981 where she continued her pursuit of creating beautiful perennial gardens throughout the region. Additional studies with famed English Landscape Designer John Brookes of the New York Botanical Gardens Institute gave her a pivotal role on the design team for the Presidential Palace gardens of Greneda. Later in life she continued her passion for botany and beauty to incorporate Custom Jewelry design which she made and sold privately here in Binghamton and Jupiter, Fl.

Ann's community involvement was devoted to the arts and gave countless time and passion for. She was a member of the American Horticultural Society, the Royale Horticultural Society, and The New York Botanic Garden Society and was a master gardener in NY. She was the recipient of numerous awards from the Southern Tier Spring Flower Show, the Binghamton Garden Club and the Cornell Co-Operative Extension Garden tour. Her community involvement was extensive. She served on the Board of the Broome County Arts Council, was past president of the Binghamton Ballet, served on the executive committee of the Southern Tier Zoological Board. She was a board member of the Family and Children's Society, served on the board of the Good Shepherd Foundation. She served as board president of the Roberson Museum and Science Center and was president of its foundation as well as having spent time as Roberson's Director of Development.

Ann traveled the world with family and friends and had a particular love of England. She was diagnosed with cancer in 1999 but continued to cherish of all things beautiful.

A Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, at 10:00am, at St. Patrick Church, 9 Leroy St, Binghamton. The family will receive friends on Friday, from 4-7pm, at the Barber Memorial Home, Inc., 428 Main St, Johnson City.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ann's memory to the Roberson Museum and Science Center, 30 Front St, Binghamton, NY 13905.