Anna BARRON

BARRON, Anna (Ankar)

Anna (Ankar) Barron, of Middletown died peacefully on August 15, 2012 in Stockholm, Sweden following a short illness. Anna was born on April 26, 1927 in Stockholm to the late Gustav and Ruth Ankar and was one of four children. As a young woman she travelled to the United States and settled in New York City where she worked for the United Nations for many years. A love of jazz led her to meet her husband, the late Dr. William Barron, Jr., a prominent jazz saxophonist. After several years in New York, she moved to Middletown with her husband who became the Chair of the Music Department at Wesleyan University. Anna was trained as a secretary but her talents with language led her to work as a translator as well as serve as a college-level Swedish language instructor. In addition to jazz, Anna had a passion for classical music and was an accomplished violinist. She played in various chamber ensembles and orchestras, was a member of the Literary Club and volunteered at a local senior center. She also supported conservation projects and causes. Anna remained active throughout her life, loved to travel, and returned to her summer home in Sweden as often as possible to visit family and friends. She led a full life, surrounded herself with interesting people, and made an indelible impression on those with whom she came into contact. Anna is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Barron; son-in-law, David Caby; grandson, Oscar William Caby; sister, Eva Schoerner; and other relatives in both Sweden and the United States.
A memorial service for friends and family will be held in Middletown at a future date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Nature Conservancy, 55 High Street, Middletown, CT 06457. A guest book can be found at www.doolittlefuneralservice.com. Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown is handling the arrangements.