Anne Skleder Obituary
Most recently Anne was the 10th - and first woman - President of Brenau University in Gainesville, GA. Among her accomplishments at Brenau, Anne was especially excited to have established a scholarship for first-generation college students. Her extensive service included the Women's College Coalition, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, and United Way of Hall County. Anne also leaves behind cherished friends and colleagues from her past university positions at Alvernia, Chatham, Cabrini, and Wilkes.
Anne is survived by sister Sharon Skleder Retos of Bethlehem, PA, brother Eric Skleder (Jennifer) of Bradenton, FL, nephews Joshua Retos (Meagan) of Monessen, PA and Jacob Retos (Lauren) of Bethlehem, PA. Extended family includes the Becker, Pribik, Rectenwald, Retos, and Thompson families. She is predeceased by parents John and Anne Skleder of Bridgeville, PA, brother John Skleder of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and brother-in-law Mike Retos of Bethlehem, PA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Noon on November 7th in the Chapel at the Sacred Heart Convent of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in Reading, PA. Anne will be laid to rest at Saint Agatha Cemetery in Bridgeville, PA. Brenau University will hold an event to honor Anne on November 14th. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial charitable donation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ashok Kallam
October 23, 2025
May your soul rest in peace, we all miss you Anne.
Mark S Kopenski
October 22, 2025
I think of Anne often, especially when traveling abroad. We miss Anne physically being there but know she is there in spirit! Happy Diwali, may the light of the season shine bright on Anne!
KOPENSKI
October 22, 2024
Missing you today and everyday Anne.
Teresa Collins
April 23, 2024
I met Angie between 6th and 7th grade at St. Agatha's and we were best friends through junior high and then grew apart. She reached out to me a few years ago and I wished I would have had a longer conversation with her rather than a quick note on LinkedIn. I am shocked to learn of her passing and extend my deepest condolences to her brother Eric and her sister Sharon.
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Amanda Basek
December 5, 2023
I knew Dr. Skleder from her time at Alvernia. She intimated the heck out of me with her intelligence and confidence. But in her graciousness, she taught me more about accountability and humility in one sentence than anyone ever has. I was terrified to mess up around her, and one day when I actually did, she said it was her fault for not briefing me... what poise! She was exactly how I wanted to be when I grew up. At the time I didn't realize she was only a decade older than me. She carried herself with such dignity. I hope she knew how many looked up to her the way I did. Rest in peace, Dr. Skleder. You left a graceful mark on my life, and the world around you.
Dave Brennan
December 2, 2023
Dr. Skleder was one of the first faculty members in the psychology department at Alvernia I was in touch with before I was accepted. I took an honors course in leadership with her in my junior year. She was always willing to help her students, offer advice, and listen. Several years after college, she helped to prepare me for an interview to be promoted at work. I was and I like to believe her great advice played a part in making that happen. Rest In Peace, Dr. Skleder. Sending thoughts, prayers, and my deepest condolences to all of her family.
Ellen Taylor
November 18, 2023
I had the pleasure of getting to know Anne at Emory University hospital. Talking with her always lifted my spirits. She carried herself with dignity through the ups and downs of the bone marrow transplant process, and made everyone around her more optimistic. I would often hear her praising staff & encouraging other patients. I consider it an honor to have met and spent time with Anne. My deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, & colleagues. Her brother Eric and bonus sister (as Anne would always say) Jen are especially in my prayers. Witnessing their love of Anne day in and day out was inspirational to everyone around them. I'm certain that love and support made Anne's journey less difficult. Rest in peace, Anne.
Angie Graham
November 7, 2023
Prayers for the family. Dr. Anne Skleder was always full of life and made you feel welcome and important. I didn't have a lot of contact with her but when I did, she was always very attentive. There wasn't a time when I saw her that she wasn't smiling and encouraging others. She will definitely be missed by all those who knew her.
Nathan R. Goss
November 7, 2023
Anne was a consummate encourager to me as a professional and her attitude towards others was always one of joy and genuine interest. I recall fondly our trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with educational dignitaries. She laughed at my "Dad-jokes" and we had wonderful discussions about all things outside of work. I am a better man for knowing her and am privileged to have a small part in the legacy she has left for Brenau University.
Annie Rhodes-Kline
November 5, 2023
Angie was a kind, caring, and smart mentor and also a friend to me at Temple University. She was a couple of years ahead of me in the Social Psychology PhD program. She did a great job showing me the "ropes" and helping me learn about the ongoing research and opportunities for graduate assistants. She also helped me in adjusting to living in a rough and unfamiliar city far from home. My heart goes out to Angie's family at this very difficult time.
Sage Magness-Hill
November 5, 2023
Sage Magness-Hill
November 5, 2023
Sage Magness-Hill
November 5, 2023
Sage Magness-Hill
November 5, 2023
Sage Magness-Hill
November 5, 2023
Sage Magness-Hill
November 5, 2023
To know Anne was to love her. Her infectious enthusiasm, her sense of humor, her ability to see, hear, and value every individual she engaged with, and her passion for global education, access to that education, and student support had me instantly drawn into her orbit. From the moment she was announced as the 10th President of Brenau University and the first woman to fill the role, I knew I had to meet her.
What I didn´t expect was to find such an impactful mentor and develop such a strong friendship with this inspiring person. We bonded over our family ties to Allegheny County, PA, our feelings about Heinz ketchup and the "Pittsburgh Left," and how Fred Rogers saved us and our siblings. We talked weekly throughout the pandemic, about Brenau, about higher education, about the state of the country and how to advocate for the most vulnerable and under-resourced individuals. Anne got me to see that the qualities I viewed as weaknesses in myself were actually strengths, and how to leverage those strengths to be the best professional and person I could be. She was always there for a quick call, a text, a zoom, a hug. And that wasn´t just limited to me. Anne was available to everyone in this way, and she changed so many lives for the better.
Even when she was diagnosed with leukemia, her enthusiasm didn´t diminish. She continued to lead Brenau through her treatment, right to the end. There will never be a way to describe the devastating shock and grief that was felt through the Brenau community and those of us who knew her and loved her at the news of her passing. It felt as though gravity didn´t exist anymore, and I was untethered from the world. I´m a difficult person to mentor and coach. Anne was the person who stuck with me and had the hard conversations I needed to hear. Anne is the reason I serve as President of the Board at Watershed Public Charter School in Baltimore. Anne is the reason I´m an academic advisor to under-resourced students at Johns Hopkins University. Anne is the person who brought me back to Brenau University Women's College.
We will never see how large Anne´s legacy will be, because she impacted so many and inspired us to carry that legacy forward. She wasn´t just the first woman president of Brenau. She was the greatest president Brenau has ever had in its 145 year history (considering just how much she accomplished in her 4 short years at the helm.) It has been one of the greatest gifts of my life to know her, admire her, love her, and to know that the feeling was mutual.
Rest easy, Anne. Thank you for everything.
Jo Ann Paparelli
November 3, 2023
I had the great, yet all too brief, pleasure of getting to know Anne while she was inpatient at Emory. From the day I met her, she was sweet, kind, and radiated warmth. She had the unique ability to make you feel as though you were the most important person in the world, and you were the best at everything. She was truly radiant. I always knew it was going to be a good day when I got to work with Anne. Her courage, strength, and attitude were nothing short of inspirational. Anne, you were an angel on earth. I miss you every day. Love, Jo Ann
Heidi Terry
November 2, 2023
Condolences to all who loved and respected Anne. While I didn't know her personally, she appears to have been a remarkable lady who positively impacted the lives of many.
Jodi Radosh
October 31, 2023
I knew Anne from Alvernia University, where I am a professor. She was a poised and impressive administrator who was also outgoing, warm, and supportive. During my first year there, she took me to a conference and mentored me. I greatly appreciated her support and guidance. I have followed her career, and I was happy to learn of her presidential position. I saw her right before she left for the South and am sure she made a positive impact on the students at Brenau University just like she did at many other campuses.
Victoria Williams
October 31, 2023
Anne interviewed me when I came to Alvernia, and I just remember sitting in the interview in awe of her intelligence, poise, and graciousness. Working with her was such a joy, she was sweet and supportive and smart and always encouraging. I was blessed to have such a wonderful mentor and colleague. She was a force of nature and always had so much energy and positivity--it is so sad to see that taken from the world so early. She loved the students and the mission of higher education. She brought so much good into the world.
Steven Stern
October 31, 2023
My condolences to the loss of your sister and aunt. Anne was a supportive and sweet fellow graduate students at Temple, and a fellow academic administrator as we advanced in our careers.
Abel Adekola
October 30, 2023
Anne hired me as the Dean of the Business School at Wilkes University. She will always have a very special place in my heart, not because she hired me, but for her selfless kindness. She stood by me and sat with me at the ICU of Geisinger Hospital in Wilkes-Berry, Pennsylvania when my wife, Deborah, was in an induced coma. Anne drove all the way from Philadelphia to console my daughter and I, when I called on June 18, 2019 that my wife, her good friend, Deborah has passed. I am still in a state of shock and can't believe that I will not get to see or speak with Anne again. Death has no shame for taking Anne away so soon. Sleep well in the bosom of the Lord, Anne. Your friend, Abel Adekola!
MARK S KOPENSKI
October 30, 2023
To my friend and collegue Anne, you are missed but will always be part of the work we do at GSRA. God Speed!
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Anne Skleder's name
How to support Anne's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Anne Skleder's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
