Ann Robertson Obituary

Old Lyme - Ann Robertson, 70, beloved wife of 17 wonderful years to husband Paul Thomson, who was her kindergarten classmate, summer friend at Hawks Nest Beach and later her husband, died at Connecticut Hospice in Branford on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013, finally ending a three year-long battle with implacable endometrial cancer.

Besides her husband, she is survived by two brothers, William Robertson of Cromwell, and Brien Robertson and his wife, Moira, of Niantic; a sister, Elizabeth Guilford, and her husband, Timothy, of Avon; nieces, Jennifer Robertson-Motta and her husband, Steve, of South Windsor, and Elizabeth Robertson-Aiuto and her husband, Christopher, of Stratford; and a nephew, Timothy Guilford Jr.

Ann was earlier predeceased by her aunts, Pat and Peggy, who held a special place in her heart.

Ann was born in Hartford, the eldest child of William and Anna (O'Brien) Robertson. Ann loved mathematics, and was a teacher of mathematics and computer science all her life. She taught at The U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Mitchell College, the University of New Haven, but found her true home, teaching mathematics at Connecticut College. She joined the faculty there in 1998 and in 2000 was promoted to senior lecturer.

A tireless and devoted educator, Ann took great pride in helping her students to appreciate mathematics from real-world contexts and in collaborative methodologies.

She was particularly adept at assisting students who approached mathematics with some anxiety, to feel successful and competent. Her research interests involved the imagery, fractional dimensionality, and process, of Jackson Pollock's drip period, and symmetries of the Alhambra. She was concerned that young girls were being socialized to be unsuccessful at math and started a project and web site for middle school math innovation through fractal mathematics and art.

Ann was extremely interested in the craft of teaching mathematics, and presented several papers and lectures at domestic and international conferences.

Her husband and family would like to thank the tireless nurses and staff of the Center for Hospice Care Southeastern Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360 for extraordinary care and devotion and requests that in lieu of flowers, donations to that organization be considered.

The family welcomes all of Ann's friends and colleagues to share memories of Ann from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Byles-MacDougall Funeral Home, 99 Huntington St., New London. A private burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Plans are being made for a memorial service of Ann's life early next year.

Please visit www.byles.com for directions, to sign the guestbook or share a memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Nov. 24, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Ann Robertson

7 Entries

Sharon Dickinson

December 22, 2013

Dear Paul, Your beloved Ann is on the other side, sending you blessings and love as only she knows how to do. I am deeply grateful for the privilege of knowing you both. What a beautiful couple - so loving and supportive and fun. What an honor to have met such a woderful person as Ann Robertson - intelligent, faithful, artistic, spiritual, thoughtful. The world is a better place because of her.

Many many prayers,
Sharon Dickinson
BWH Chaplain

Richard Ruth

November 27, 2013

Working with Ann was a distinct pleasure. She was a marvelous combination of scholar, teacher, and, best of all, a gracious lady. At Mitchell College she brought students, faculty, and administration into the Age of Computers. My sons studied with Ann and held her in the highest regard.

November 26, 2013

I remember Ann as a delightful, curious and energetic woman. She was my teacher, and later my peer as we worked on projects related to IT development while she was at Mitchell. She was of great encouragement to me at a difficult time in my life. Paul, my sincere condolences to you and all of Ann's family and friends.

Heidi Yarnall Crowell

November 25, 2013

Dear Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. When I began my professional career at Mitchell College, Ann stepped in as a my mentor. I have many found memories of our times together.

Sincerely,
Heidi Yarnall Crowell

Keith Lee

November 25, 2013

Paul,

Very sorry to hear of Ann's passing. Condolences.

Andrea Rossi-Reder

November 25, 2013

So sad to hear about Ann's passing. She was a light and inspiration to her students and colleagues at Connecticut College. We will miss her so much.

John Gerwatosky

November 24, 2013

I am very sorry to read of Ann's passing. I worked with and helped Ann establish the first computer lab at Mitchell.
John Gerwatosky - Mitchell Class 61'

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