Ann Mandelstamm

Thinking of dear Ann and how much wisdom and joy she brought to so many of us. NKP

I loved Ann the first time I met her at my first training. When she walked into the room there was just a special light and hap[iness that I could feel. She was a friend and a mentor and one of the most spexial people I have known. Brian

She was the best teacher and she took care of me when the environment was unaccepting to me ....at times. God bless her.

I just today learned of Ann´s passing. I had her for English at East Ladue and she was responsible for altering my future career choice. Many years later I was fortunate to run into her at a restaurant and had the opportunity to tell her how much she changed my life and my career choice. Teachers never get enough credit and certainly never hear how they affect the students they teach in later years. I´m glad I had the opportunity to tell her she made a difference.

Ann was a favorite teacher at Ladue High School- I placed her among the best 3 English teachers (Mandelstamm/Noland/Canon- the perfect triad of teachers) and took extra classes just to know her better. She was a treasure. Thank you.

I will always consider myself deeply fortunate to have known Ann Mandelstamm as a teacher, mentor, and friend. She was present in so many milestone moments of my life, present in just the right way, by asking a question that needed to be asked, sharing with honesty her experience grading papers, providing comfort with a book or passage of text. She was a person of great goodness, generosity, and principle, and I will always remember her with gratitude and love.

I never met Ann in person but she and I and my deceased husband, Phil McPherson spoke by phone and we emailed often. She was one of the kindest calming persons we ever came in contact. She was so helpful in making Phil's passing easier for him as well as helping me understand and accepting the death of someone dear. I will miss Ann very much. May we all live as good of a life as Ann Mandelstamm. David Gaskin in Alameda, California

When reading many of these beautiful memories, it strikes me how Ann had such a formative impact on her students from the 70's, 80's and 90's. I was fortunate to have her as a teacher and mentor at Ladue High School, while graduating in 1981.

My wife and I had coffee with Ann on a regular basis with our dog Scout. Our conversations were often about family updates, and my wife and I felt as if we had known Ann's children and their families for many years. Ann was also very interested in how my two boys were progressing in school after having met them several times.

Here is one anecdote that sums up Ann's selflessness and giving spirit. I had kidney failure in 2018 and was not eligible for a transplant until the summer of this year. Ann was one of the first people to actually call the transplant hotline to be evaluated on my behalf. Fortunately she did not pass the initial screening as she had participated in a trial in the 80's that precluded her from moving forward to the medical evaluation. I suspect they used this as an excuse to gently let her down as they realized how passionate she was about donating to me. I told her that had she passed, I would have put a hold on moving to the next stage. At 85 one does not need to go through a surgery that has no medical benefit for the surgical subject. I said Ann, "I only need a Ford Escape, not a Model T". She laughed.

She was truly a beautiful person and I miss her dearly. May her memory be a blessing to every life she touched.

This past year Ann was worried about her neighbors on the first floor of the building where she lived. She didn't think we were getting enough heat and invited me to visit her and have coffee, tea, or a drink, and get warm. I took her up on the offer and we had the most fascinating discussion. She was so warm, interesting, and fabulous. I will always remember her kindness.

Ann and I met during my first run for state representative in 2008. She canvassed often for me and was generally a very positive & supportive person. I was most impressed by her exercise routine. She told of walking up & down 11 flights of stairs in her building every day for exercise. I felt she'd live forever. I was so honored to have her support!
I am sad to hear of her passing and extend my deepest sympathy to her family & friends. Margo McNeil

Ann was such a wonderful person always going out of her way to help who ever she could. I always enjoyed her visits to the salon we had so many wonderful conversations. They were mostly about her daughters and grandchildren. But also about politics and what we could do to make Saint Louis a better place for all of us. She will be missed by so many especially in The Central West End.

A great friend and animal lover. I learned so much from Ann and we had so many great times together. I miss her dearly.

I recently found this photo of Ann... while she may have been most comfortable in walking clothes, this view of her as empress epitomizes, in my view, her presence in so many people's lives. My relationship with Ann was first as a colleague at Ladue Horton Watkins High School. Ann approached me in a hallway with nobody else present and said (I'll never forget), "Hi Eric, I'm Ann Mandelstamm and you don't have to remember my name [what a relief for me] but welcome to the high school. I've heard about you and know you're going to be a great teacher. If there is anything you need or if you have any questions, you can find me in the English office." From that point on, we traded opinions about education, fantastic students, literature to read. As our friendship grew, Ann reached out to share her life closely with my family. We also came to know about Ann's family, hearing stories from a proud parent and doting grandmother. I send my deepest and profound condolences to those members of her family. I'll enjoy thinking about the many impromptu conversations we had while Ann was walking around the Central West End. As to Ann's wishes, I'll enjoy a good book and take a memorable walk.

Ann Mandelstamm was a favorite English teacher at Ladue High School and she was also the teacher-leader of The Wilderness Club, a hiking group at the high school. It was always a joy seeing her smiling face and hearing her sage advice, both in the English Office at the school as well as on those hikes. Ann was a wonderful soul and will be missed.

Ann where do you get all of your energy? I would ask. Her smile and giggle would follow as would some cute answer. An incredible listening ear and conversationalist, and always had time to spare and chat. We loved going to her apartment as her was completely different than ours on the 10th floor of Tramore. The giant bear skin rug an grandfathers clock are really what set them apart. Ann was one of the first people we met at Tramore when we moved there 15 years ago. Her love of her family were always evident, her commitment to education and helping others was a priority. No matter how busy she was and her coming and going there was never a kind word she did not speak. Beautiful inside and out her presence and contribution with me missed. Her smile, laughter and outlook is a testament of a life well lived and we should follow her example.
Deepest sympathy to her family.
Robert Endicott-Powers
Kennth Powers

I had the pleasure of being one of Mrs. Mandelstamm's students in the '80s. I remember her warmth, easy going nature, and fun-filled laugh. I thought the world of her and learned a ton. Then in the 2000's my oldest son said he had a teacher who taught me English. Yes, it was Mrs. Mandelstamm. It was such a joy to see him have the same experience I had with her. She and I connected and caught up. Such a marvelous teacher and such a wonderful life.

I first had the privilege of teaching with Ann at East Ladue Jr. High and later at Horton Watkins. I loved watching her work in the English office one-on-one with her students. I admired the way she seemed able to discern what that student needed at that moment, and to offer it with patience, humor and empathy. And always with kindness. As is clear in their tributes here, her students loved her, and soaked up her lessons. She brought the teenagers she taught to a greater appreciation of literature, a greater skill and confidence in their written expression, and a deeper knowledge of themselves. I have never known anyone quite like her. Seeing her smiling in these photos lifts my heart, as her presence did in my life for over thirty years.

So sad to read of Ann´s passing. I first met her in the early years of our careers. We both lived in Clayton and later the CWE. Ann found her special place and intellectual retreat in a uniquely designed designed apartment in the Tramore Castle. I believe the remodeling was done by the parents of mutual friends. Forgive my rambling, the obituary and comments from students and friends described her perfectly. There is nothing this almost 87 year old could embellish upon.

Your heart soon will be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

It is rare to know a person who lives with such clear purpose, with such dedication to her principles, and with such generosity and kindness as Ann lived. I was fortunate to have Ann as a colleague at John Burroughs School and honored to have shared a few, but precious times with her after that.
A tiny testament to her patience and generosity and teaching talent is that at JBS she seemed to be everybody´s favorite substitute teacher: She did not just babysit; she would actually teach the lessons left by the teacher. Most importantly, students behaved and worked hard for her because she so clearly loved them and enjoyed teaching, which meant that teachers could return to their classes confident that their students had been well taken care of in every way.
Though we have all suffered a great loss, it is clear from these testimonies that we have all also benefited from knowing such a truly lovely and loving person as Ann.

Thank you, Ann, for sharing your life with so many people and for making so many people feel cared for.

To Ann´s Circle and her kids and grand kids- they broke the mold with Ann Mandlestamm - she was my Aunt kinda- when I was in boarding school I used to visit her in St Louis - she came to my wedding , she came an met my son Nathaniel when he was born- she was so kind and so real- she will be missed immensely - I feel so grateful to have had her in my life

I still can´t believe Ann has left us. I still remember how she always admired beauty around her; one day in English comp she mentioned how she loved the oriental rugs hanging in the store at Clayton and Lindbergh on her drive into school. She noticed beauty around her all the time. She attended our Dances of India performances for several years and always kept up with my dad and mom. In fact my last correspondance with her was in Oct 2024 about getting tickets for our show! I´ll always miss her.

I loved Mrs Mandelstamm!!!!! She was my English teacher at Ladue but she was so much more than that!!!! She used to take Kara Trimble and I skating at Shaw Park and buy us hot chocolates to drink. She came to my engagement party in St. louis and I had been to her apartment on Lindell Blvd. She was kind and funny and such a woman supporter. I truly loved her and she kindled my love of books and nature and cooking. She was an extra special, lovely angel in our midst!!!! I never heard any negativity from her and she was a force of good always!!!! May God take his angel back to heaven!!!! She was a beautiful lady!!!!!
Eileen Pazos

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Ann was a lighthouse for me during my first year with FEN. Since a lighthouse is a beacon for navigation, I can honestly say that she navigated me through many a "stupid" question without blinking an eye, explained things to me as only a seasoned teacher could. I was very lucky to earn her friendship. I will miss her greatly!

Such fond memories of her classes....and her enthusiasm, a true teacher of literature and loving it. My condolences to her circle of people. Robin (Brown) Woll

Mrs Mandelstamm was one of my favorite teachers. She was always so supportive, incredibly upbeat at all times and was very interested in hearing the latest happenings in my life. She attended one of my Grand Openings, even though I had not seen her in decades. She came to the Memorial dedication at the Butterfly House for my Mom, who she admired, for both her kindness and especially for her baklava. It´s how Mrs Mandelstamm made you feel that is so special.

Mrs. Mandelstamm made me rewrite my papers a million times. It made made me a better writer. I think her teachings helped me earn my doctoral degree. She made me feel valued in a tough setting.

A great person. She cared about the welfare of people. Dan Ludwig

To this day, I credit Ms. Mandelstamm with my ability to write well. She was one of my favorite teachers and I think of her often. So sad to hear of her passing.

Ann was my English Comp teacher freshman year at Ladue. She was an amazing teacher and an overall caring human. I had lost touch with her, but when my now husband, Rob, started teaching at Ladue, we reconnected. She was always so vibrant and such a great person to converse with. My favorite memory is traveling with her, my husband and another Ladue friend to Arkansas to see a play written by another Ladue grad and friend. We loved the play and got to visit Crystal Bridges together. It was February 2020, right before the Covid crisis happened a great memory to hold on to during the shutdown. I will miss her terribly, but her spirit lives on forever.

Ann was one of my favorite teachers and unlocked my love is literature and poetry. I will never forget her classes and mentorship.

Mrs Mandelstamm was one of my favorite teachers during my 4 years at LHS. She masterfully taught the craft of writing. I remember happily sitting in her classroom, looking up to her for her confidence and skill. May her memory be for a blessing.

Ann was one of my favorite human beings ever. She was a delight to have as my client, and she would always make me a plate of cheese, apples, and crackers, along with a pot of tea. She always made me feel so special!

I am french and I met Ann because my son Jerome and his family lived in Tramore Castle.
She was a strong woman with convictions, sensitivity and energy.
She gave me a small mirror and I use it every day to put my glass of water .
I miss you Ann and I send my deepest sympathy to her children, grand children and friends

Ann was in her early 50s when I met her in the English department at Ladue. She walked me over to her tall file cabinet full of meticulously maintained planning files and said, "Help yourself to anything." With that gesture, she showed me what collegial generosity looks like and had a big impact on the teacher and colleague I became. And she went on to show me-to show so many of us-what a life so very well lived includes: a sincerely curious mind, an open, generous spirit, and a truly loving heart.

Ann was a beautiful lady inside and out. Always had a smile on her face.

A beautiful human being and a master classroom teacher. She influenced so many students in a positive way.

Ann was always a welcoming presence for me in the English office, which was not my territory, and at every meeting or workshop we attended together. She was a role model for me as a young teacher of a balance of strength, intelligence, tact, patience, and kindness. I have good memories of her accompanying students as a guest in our foods room and being a judge for recipe contests.

In the photo that I am sharing, Ann and I are riding in the ferris wheel by Union Station a few years ago. I have many memories of our times together. The first one is of ice skating on the frozen ponds in Forest Park with our young kids in the late 70´s. She was a kind, empathetic, wise friend. I am grieving her loss. I will miss her profoundly.

Like so many others, Ann was an incredible mentor to me. Though we lived far apart, we stayed connected through phone calls, and I was fortunate to spend some time with her and her family this summer when she visited Boston. I will miss her deeply.

Annette was my upstairs neighbor at Tramore Castle for over thirteen years. She was a delight to know and compassionate to all. I will miss her smile and cheerful greeting each time we met.

During her entire tenure at Ladue High School Ann had a desk next to mine in the English Office. We taught many of the same classes and talked a lot about teenagers, literature, and life. I listened to her guide many a student through a crisis or just through the course. Ann definitely had her fun side. I remember her showing up one Halloween dressed as a witch. She even had her own black cat with her. That cat remained under her desk for the entire day despite students pleading with it to come out. Ann had the ability to do the right thing, to say the right word, to sense a person's need, to offer her help freely, to be a friend. She will be missed.

In 1958 Ann and I met at SLU during our sophomore year. In our Junior and senior years we were roommates. By l965 I had settled in Washington, DC. She always kept in touch checking on how my family and I were doing. Every once in awhile we were blessed to have in person time together. Be at peace, dear Ann, my good, kind friend these past 66 years.

Ann was so instrumental in helping me with my lessons during my first years in the high school English department at Ladue. Ann gave me copies of every packet- every worksheet, for every class she taught- to aid my success in the classroom. Additionally, after my severe bout with Covid in 2020, Ann was one of the first people to insist on bringing my family and me a meal and to follow through once I returned from rehab. What a beautiful, professional, and thoughtful person!!

I remember Ms. Mandelstamm making English grammar interesting by tap dancing on the table as she taught and she made it sweet by bringing our classes homemade chocolate chip cookies. She will be missed.

Ms. Mandelstamm was one of the greatest teachers I have ever had. I remember how thoughtful and inspiring she was as a person and an educator. As one of my classmates said, she taught us in high school the meaning of being a good adult, when we were still kids!

As I was moving in to Tramore two years ago, a neighbor I had just met asked me if I had met Ann yet, that I must meet her. Soon I did, but in the form of a fresh and colorful paper sack hanging from my front door knob . There would be more to come, but this first one included fresh cookies, welcomed me, introduced herself and then gave me her contact information... because "you never know when you may need a ride to your doctor or help in the middle of the night ", wrote Ann. How did she know......
Ann introduced me to the splendid Cathedral concerts in the next block. Ann would listen to and hear the music the same way she would listen to and hear a friend - - with attention and sensitivity. Music... Friends... She loved them both.
Ann loved and was tender with my cat Allie...just five days ago...
Mary Sutherland

Ann was a special angel in her time in this world. She did so much for so many. She will be greatly missed. Gary Benson

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

I´ve been the painter here at 4525 and 4515 Lindell for over 20 years and Ann was and is one of the most loving and caring person I´ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. The buildings won´t be the same without her. I pray for peace and comfort for her family at this time. Good bye sweet lady.

It was always a joy to see Ann at the opera -- not just because she was such a music lover, but she was also one of my favorite high school teachers! What a gift to get to reconnect with her as an adult.

Of the many beautiful hikes with Ann, our trip to Point Reyes is high on my list. Such a vital, vibrant, fun and exceptional woman. One I adored, admired and loved.

Reading the many beautiful tributes here makes me shed tears. I share their sentiments and I will miss that smile. Ann was nothing short of remarkable and I am lucky to have known her.

Ann was such an important role model in my life. I´ll never forget the frequent sleepovers in her "castle" and the times she allowed me to care for her precious kitties at a young age. She always radiated positivity, wisdom and light. She continued to support and encourage me even after I had my own children, sending them hats and books long after I had grown up and moved out of the area. I´ll never forget the special moments that I had with her and admire the strong, independent and intelligent woman that she was.

Ann was more than a teacher; she was a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration. I first encountered her warmth and wisdom in my ESL class, where she patiently guided me through countless hours of language learning and essay writing. Her unwavering support was instrumental in my mastery of English language and literature.
Even after graduation, our bond remained strong. Throughout my college years and subsequent move to California, we stayed in touch, sharing laughter, dreams, and life's adventures. Whenever I returned to St. Louis, visiting Ann was a cherished tradition. I would introduce my children to this extraordinary woman, eager for them to experience her infectious energy and boundless positivity.
Over the past 25 years, Ann has been a constant source of light in my life. Her ability to engage in stimulating conversations on any topic, no matter how profound or trivial, was truly remarkable. I will forever cherish the memories we shared and the impact she had on my life. Her absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Ann was my 9th grade teacher who became a life long friend. She sent me care packages at camp and eventually did some substitute teaching at my school. Ann had the biggest heart of anyone I knew. She will be sorely missed by all in her life.

Like others, Ann was the first person to welcome me when I finished my training as a Final Exit Network guide. I treasure and will miss her warm heart, clear head, and vibrant soul. Fare you well, Ann.

What a phenomenal teacher. Her h.s. literature classes were actually "Adulthood 101" in disguise, designed to equip our adolescent minds with a few grown-up faculties before we left home. She reminded me of some of the characters in the novels we read ---- passionate, provocative, challenging, never boring, always evolving. I'll always be grateful she was my friend.

I met Ann through Final Exit Network when she visited us in Portland, Oregon. Her warmth and genuine interest in everyone she encountered, her positive outlook on life were indelible aspects of her being. Her love of opera and The Met and her openess to new experiences (like Oregon's Shakespeare Theater) were characteristic of her enthusiasm for life and refreshing to see in someone in their early 80's.

Ann was a wonderful mentor who became a dear friend. I will treasure the memory of our wide-ranging conversations and -- as an avid reader -- her inspirational bookmarks!

Ann and I meet in the early 90's when we were volunteering at Food Outreach. We've been dear friends over the years sharing walks, books, meals and many heartful conversations. I feel sweetly tender now as I call to mind Ann's vibrant, fully-into-life spirit. Truly, no one holds a dearer place in my heart than Ann; I feel so very blessed to have had her in my life.

Maria, Amy and John, Ann so often spoke of you and your families with such devotion, delight and immense love. My deepest sympathy and love to you.

Ann was the first person to greet me when I arrived for my FEN guide training in 2016, and we were friends from then on. We had such fun recommending books to each other, talking at length on the phone, and then talking, walking and eating together when I visited St. Louis in summer a year ago. I know Ann chose her exit date in part so she would be able to vote, trying to help her area and country by doing so even though the results would no longer matter to her.

Ann was goodness personified.

Ann was a good friend and neighbor in the same apartment building. Over the years that I knew her she was always so kind and considerate. She was be missed.

We are so saddened by the loss of Ann. Ann was a fixture in the building, The Matriarch of Traymore Castle, the kindest most loving soul who deeply cared for her family, friends and neighbors who she treated like family. Our buildings will miss her terribly. Fly high Ann. You are sorely missed. Harry, Barb, all the employees and residents of 4515 and Traymore.

Dear Ann was one of the most positive, generous people I have known -- one of my role models. Lowrey's words are. "She had a heart of gold and a spine of steel."

The world would be a much better place if everyone had an Ann Mandelstamm in their lives. It was always such a treat to see you at the symphony, at the Fox Theatre, or some other cultural event. You will forever be missed - and loved. Michael J.Opitz - Donald P. White

How much better life would be if we all had a friend in our lives like Ann Mandelstamm. She will forever be missed and loved.

She was a real good soul. I remember her inviting us all over when she lived on Davis Place to go skating in Shaw Park.

I am shocked and saddened to hear this news! Ann was a member of our new 9th Ward Democratic Club. She was a kindred spirit when it came to politics. She supported my husband's recent campaign for committeeman--both financially and by passing out literature. The last time I saw her was at a recent meeting of volunteers drafted to canvass and get out the vote for the presidential race. What impressed me about Ann was that she seemed to have boundless energy and sharp mind, even at 85 years old! She was fit and walked to most places in her Central West End neighborhood. She kept quite busy with various activities, including caring for siblings. Even though we didn't know each other well, I considered her a friend. I will miss her encouragement and support.

Debra Loveless

After having spoken with Ann by phone, I was delighted to meet her in person at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. She was a mentor and inspiration for me.

Ann could always find a postive thing to say about everyone she met. She was a teacher who wanted to help you see the bright side of life. She will be with me for the rest of my life.

Kindness and grace is what I will always remember about Ms. Mandelstamm. She was my English teacher at Ladue Horton Watkins High School 1979-1982. I would shamelessly create reasons to visit her in the English Department office, just to be in her presence. She had an unobstructed gift of giving that was so attractive and appealing. Some years ago, I penned a children´s book. I located Ms. Mandelstamm and without any hesitation she agreed to serve as editor. Though I know her sweet spirit is in a better place, our world has certainly declined in beauty and stature from this great loss.

What a wise and wonderful soul. She checked in on me a few weeks ago and we had a lovely conversation. She was a fantastic teacher and I was blessed to be her student. Having her as a friend was another blessing. Peace to all of her family and friends.

Ann shone super bright in life. And I´ll never forget that light and all the love and energy she put into her relationships with those lucky enough to be her friend. I feel lucky that she was in my life. I´ll miss her. I miss her already.

Ann was a beloved mentor to me. She had a heart of gold and a spine of steel. When I grow up, I want to be like Ann!