Ann Roberts Sewell

Ann Roberts Sewell, 77, of Catonsville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Harbor Hospital in Baltimore after a brief illness. Ann was born on April 16, 1947 in Cumberland, Maryland, and raised on Latrobe Street in the small community of Barton. She was the daughter of the late William Frederick Lamberson, Sr. and Elizabeth Catherine Barnard. She leaves behind a daughter, Stacey S. Bredar, son-in-law James K. Bredar, three grandchildren: Thomas K. Bredar, Daniel R. Bredar, Sophia A. Bredar, and a sister, Susan L. Shaffer.

Ann was an extraordinary mother who was genuine, compassionate, and loyal. Her daughter's earliest memories are of the warmth of their little kitchen in Fallston, Maryland, where Ann created magic with her baking. She would craft incredible confections; each cake was a masterpiece, a testament to her patience and precision, and each was a gift of love for birthdays and special occasions.

Ann's creativity extended beyond the kitchen. She sewed her own maternity clothes and often made Stacey's childhood outfits. Everyday items like curtains, placemats, and even Stacey's Barbie clothes were lovingly crafted by her mom's hands. The scent of homemade bread, applesauce, jam, and soup filled their kitchen, creating a backdrop of comfort and love during Stacey's childhood.

Despite a challenging start in life, marked by the loss of her father at age thirteen, Ann faced her circumstances with unwavering determination. Her hard work and sheer grit earned her a full scholarship to the University of Maryland, where she studied nursing. This was her pathway to a new life, yet she never lost touch with her Western Maryland roots. Growing up in the small town of Barton, she learned to value relationships with family, friends, and neighbors. She knew in her heart that the small things in life really mattered. The small things really were the big things, and she imparted that lesson to her daughter early on.

Her career as a registered nurse spanned many roles, from home health care in Baltimore City to working in a pediatric allergy office. Years later, she served as a discharge planning nurse at the University of Maryland, and then turned to rehab medicine at Kernan and Montibello Hospitals. In 1992, she was named Maryland's "Nurse of the Year" by Governor William Donald Schaefer. Her expertise in rehab medicine equipped her to make the most difficult decisions with grace and strength in her final days.

Ann had a zest for life and loved to stay busy. Whether it was gardening, water aerobics, line dancing, yoga, or playing Scrabble and Words with Friends, she embraced each activity with enthusiasm. Her generous spirit also made her an integral part of her daughter's household. She was always there, helping with chores, reading to grandchildren, or simply being present, and her family was deeply grateful for the connection they shared with her.

Ann enjoyed traveling over the years. She ventured cross country after her daughter's high school graduation, and later, Ann took many trips abroad. She was enthusiastic about visiting new places and appreciated the food and cultures of the destinations she visited. She even took a Viking cruise to the Mediterranean this past summer with her daughter and granddaughter; together, they visited seven countries. Little did they know then how precious that trip would become. It was a time of joy and exploration, a final shared adventure that will forever be a cherished memory.

Ann was a survivor. She never gave up, no matter the circumstances she faced. She approached life with grace and gratitude, and she instilled in her daughter and grandchildren the need to love deeply and to fight to achieve their dreams. Her legacy of kindness, dedication, and warmth will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be forever missed, remembered, and cherished.