Ann Litzelman Saacke

Blacksburg, VA. Ann Saacke, a model of love, joy, and radical hospitality, died at home with family encircling her as she had encircled them throughout her long life.

Born in New Jersey to Mildred Etta Rice and Karl Burns Litzelman, Ann was energy embodied, witty, caring, and funny.

Ann pursued a degree in sociology at New Jersey College for Women where she met Richard (Dick) George Saacke, a Newark NJ "aggie" studying at Rutgers, who would become the love of her life. She launched her career with the YWCA in Lancaster, PA. In 1954, Ann and Dick married and celebrated their honeymoon on a fishing trip in the Poconos. Eventually they put down deep roots in Blacksburg, VA where they raised a family and lived out their lives.

Ann gifted her circle of family and friends with her love, smile, warmth, and wisdom throughout her days. Carrying her spirit forward are her children, Wendy and Dan Azzara, Scott and Linda Saacke, Kristen Saacke Blunk, Ron and Jamie Saacke, and David and Kate Saacke, and her grandchildren, Kyle and Taylor, Evan, Matt, Mike, Alex, Clay and Rebecca, Andy, Nate and Heather, Erin, Jonah, Olivia, Will, and Adam. Ann loved holding and knowing her great-grandchildren Violet, Sydney, and Lucy and she cherished her three nieces Mary, Janne, and Linda. Ann's golden retriever, Huck, a beloved family member, also added to the warmth of her home. Grateful recipients of Ann's love who passed before her include her husband Dick, brother and sister-in-law, Karl and Marjorie, son-in-law, Joel Blunk, granddaughter, Karin Kunori, and many dear friends.

Ann served as the executive director of the Montgomery County Mental Health Association, and later joined the dynamic Virginia Tech YMCA team, coordinating the short course program and then the international women's initiatives. She loved her vocation, biking, hiking, camping, opera, international explorations with Dick, and her kids, grandkids, and friends. There was never a bad meal at her home nor a time when there wasn't room for one more at the table. Throughout the years, her children fondly referred to dinners at home as a United Nations experience, where folks from all corners of the Earth were welcomed, fed, and nurtured.

Since 2010, Ann lived with Parkinson's Disease which she met with veracity and humility, learning to box, participating in dance classes, pursuing strength and conditioning and continuing to walk, greeting neighbors and working to stay strong in spirit and body.

The family especially thanks Senior Home Care Inc.'s team of caregivers, Mary Ann, Cookie, Alicia, Melissa, Teresa, Vicky, and Francis, who brought laughter, light, and amazing, competent support to Ann over the past several years. The family also expresses gratitude to the dedicated team at Good Samaritan Hospice and Ann's neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Ann's memory are invited to be directed to the Virginia Tech YMCA, the Richard G. & Ann L. Saacke Undergraduate Scholarship at VA Tech, Good Samaritan Hospice, or a cause of your choosing.

A celebration of Ann's life will take place at Glade Church in Blacksburg, VA on Saturday, February 14, at 11 AM with Pastor Kelly Bryant officiating. A reception will follow at a different location.

"If there are angels smiling down – I hope I'm one of the grandmothers who receive their wings with the special assignment to let grandchildren know they're wonderful!" A.L. Saacke