Anne Bertholf

1940 - 2025

Anne Robertson Bertholf died on October 7, 2025 after a long illness. Born in Bastrop, Louisiana, on July 28, 1940, she was an accomplished musician, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and an inspirational leader and mentor to hundreds of students. Anne graduated from Louisiana College before attending graduate school at Tulane University, where she met and married her first husband, Jack Null. While caring for her three young children, she earned her Ph.D in English from Kent State University and began her career as an educator. Over the years, Anne served in leadership roles for nonprofits providing affordable housing and opportunities for women. After moving to Buffalo with her second husband, Robert Bertholf, she served as mentor, Associate Dean, and eventually Dean of the Niagara Frontier campus of Empire State College. Anne was a lifelong singer and pianist, and loved singing with the Unitarian Universalists' Church Choir in Buffalo and Conspirare in Austin. She is survived by her three children (Elizabeth Malone, Julia Smith, and Peter Null), two grandchildren (Carson Smith and Wyatt Smith), sister (Kathryn Patt), and extended family. Anne was smart, cheerful, funny, supportive, and strong. She will be deeply and eternally missed.