Ann Singer Obituary
Ann Leslie Singer, 64, died peacefully on February 5, 2023 in San Francisco, California, after a 2-month struggle with ovarian cancer. Ann was born on July 19, 1958, in Junction City, Kansas, to Sandra Joy Sugarman Singer and Paul Robert Singer. Raised in Evanston, Illinois, she attended Evanston Township High School. She graduated magna cum laude from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Slavic Languages. She then received a Masters of International Affairs at Columbia University in New York City.
After completing her education, Ann moved to San Francisco, California, where she spent the remainder of her life. In 2002, she and her sister Phoenix made the pilgrimage to Da Nang, Vietnam, to receive Ann's beloved four-and-a-half-month-old adopted daughter. Alexandra, now 20, became the light of Ann's life - and the lives of everyone who knows her.
Most of Ann's prolific career was spent working as a fundraiser and event planner for important nonprofit organizations, most recently the Gratitude Network (https://gratitude-network.org/). She was deeply connected to the foundation and their meaningful philanthropic work.
Having recently developed a strong dedication to her Jewish roots, she became a Bat Mitzvah at Temple Emanuel in 2020. Her Jewish and Hebrew studies and community remained an important part of her life.
Ann is survived by her daughter, Alexandra Thanh Ha Singer, sisters, Phoenix Perle Singer and Julie Cohen Wooden (husband, Bryan), brother, Josh Cohen (wife, Allyson), nephew, Justin Verducci, stepmom, Diana Cohen, and dear cousins and friends, including lifelong friends Sarah Shirley, Monica Bernell, Susan Rabin Buchanan, and Merrill Rosenberg.
Ann was known for her sparkling, winning personality. Exuberant and outgoing, she was profoundly generous of spirit. She was highly involved with the Mermaid (https://www.mermaidseries.com/) community. She enjoyed their mission of supporting women to pursue their fitness goals, and spent plenty of time at the gym. Her manicure was always spectacular. She loved her bling, being with friends, her walks, and - because of her spirited interest in British royalty - "The Crown."
Ann will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved her. Donations can be made in her honor through the Gratitude Network https://gratitude-network-ann-singer-fellowship.funraise.org/. A celebration of life will be held at 11 am on Friday March 24, 2023 in San Francisco. Please email [email protected] or [email protected] for the exact location.
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Michael Schwab
February 28, 2023
During my time as a volunteer, Ambassador, and later board member at the Gratitude Network I worked closely with Ann and we struck up a friendship that was very special to me. I fondly remember attending her Bat Mitzvah and how important that journey was for her. Her dedication, positivity and good humor will also be with me. Rest in peace my friend..
Adrian P
February 23, 2023
It is difficult to fathom the loss of such a dedicated and dear person like Ann but life leaves us no choice. I always appreciated and valued our working relationship when we interacted on numerous projects over the years. I am grateful she rests now in heavenly peace.
Guy Berryessa & Trey Lathe
February 20, 2023
We met Ann and Allie, then neighbors in Hayes Valley, shortly after moving back to SF from Germany in 2003, in Duboce Park playground where our Emma & Allie became fast friends and have been close ever since! So many memories of shared times together with them both since, incredibly sad at her passing and hope Allie knows she is loved & will always be like family to us and welcome in our home.
Dionisia
February 13, 2023
Sending so much love to the entire Singer family during this time. <3 Dionisia
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Jo Thyagarajan
February 10, 2023
In answer to "How do you know Ann Singer?" I toggled between "Work" and "Friend" until I realised then that the dividing line between the two, for Ann, was so faint that it simply sometimes was not there at all
I was one of the early Gratitude Network awardees and I came to the conference in the Bay Area. Ann came to welcome me, at my son's house in SF and her smile never stopped lighting up that house. We became good friends very soon and are ... no, were .... NO, ARE and will be, forever, very good friends.
As Randy said, "What would Ann have said?" She would have said exactly what I said.
I love Ann dearly and will always look to get guidance from her. Thank you for taking the time and generosity to envelop me in your unbounded affection, Ann. "Go gentle into that good night", my friend.
Blessing Onyejike-Ananaba
February 9, 2023
I met Ann through the Gratitude Network Fellowship. One of the things that I pondered was always the question, 'How do organizations get committed and honest people like Ann to work for them? Ann worked so professionally, and I admired that from a distance. I always prayed to have just one dedicated person on my team, like Ann. It is sad to hear about your demise.
You have done your bit. Rest well, Ann.
Adele Fleischman
February 9, 2023
Ann and I became friends when our children met on Duboce playground, San Francisco, back in 2004. As single parents without lots of money or support, we helped each other a lot and got to be very close. She was a very good friend and I loved her dearly. RIP Ann. You are missed.
Elsa Tranter
February 9, 2023
So sorry to hear of Annie's death, way too soon. My heart is with her family and friends as you mourn her loss.
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