Ann Marie Scher

She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, grew up there and in the Oconomowoc area, lived in Ohio, Mississippi, and Virginia, and eventually settled in Maryland in 1984. She was preceded in death by her parents Valentine and Barbara Waltritsch, her sister Barbara, and her brother Ramon. She is survived by her sister Margaret, her husband Robert Scher, her children Anna Kerry and Patrick Kerry, and her grandchildren Hannah Kerry and Hunter Kerry. Ann graduated from Oconomowoc High School and studied Art History at the University of Maryland, where she earned the degree of Master of Fine Arts. She was a painter. She exhibited works in several DC area shows, and she produced beautiful paintings that adorn her home and the homes of relatives and friends. After her marriage to John Kerry ended, she began a relationship with Robert Scher in 1984 and married him in 1992. Ann was adventuresome and loved to travel, and she drew inspiration for her art from traveling. Besides domestic journeys, she traveled with Robert through the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and took in its major archaeological sites. Later they journeyed through Europe and eventually visited Egypt, Japan, and Australia. Ann was artistically inspired by the south of France, and she particularly enjoyed visits to Nice and the nearby seaside villages. Beyond her beloved occupation of artist, Ann possessed valuable office skills, and for more than thirty years she helped administer Robert's engineering firm. In her later years Ann grew to love hiking in Rock Creek Park and elsewhere in Maryland. An old interest in the guitar was rekindled, and she began learning to play classical pieces. For several years she was a patron of the Baltimore Guitar Society and attended its concerts and lectures. Ann loved nature and played her part as a steward of the natural environment. She planted and tended cypress trees both in Wisconsin and at her Maryland home. She enjoyed planting and growing flowers and shrubs. Ann was kind and gentle. She was close to her sister and to her children and grandchildren and her nephew and nieces in Wisconsin and Arizona. She was a devoted and loving wife. Her passing brings great sadness to her family, and she will remain forever in our hearts. A memorial service will be held for family and friends at a time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating to the American Cancer Society or to another charity. (The online page will not be frequently monitored, so please do not expect family responses to comments. Persons named via web-links are unrelated. The automatic Sympathy Store link just below is not endorsed by the family.) Please sign the Guestbook at www.legacy.com/washingtontimes