CAMDEN — Ann K. Vanosdol, 74, of Camden Maine, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2022 surrounded by her family.

She was born on December 18, 1947 in South Pasadena, California, the daughter of Martin G. and Josephine K. (Pascoe) Ekberg.  After graduating from South Pasadena High School, she went on to study education at Whittier College in California and later received her master’s degree in special education from Assumption University in Massachusetts.

In 1969, Ann met Ronald L. Vanosdol while he was stationed in California with the US Air Force, and they wed in 1970. 

During their younger years they lived in Alaska, Indiana, New York and Massachusetts where their two daughters, Katherine and Margaret, were raised.  Ann and Ron loved to travel and spent time visiting many states, one of their favorites being Arizona.  They celebrated 52 years of marriage in July.

Ann’s career was grounded in her passion for teaching, spending 25 years as an educator at Tahanto Regional and Bancroft High schools. 

At Bancroft, she was actively involved with the theater group helping with costume design and participating as a background cast member in many of the school musicals.  Additionally, she was a member of the hand bell choir where she enjoyed performing during holiday concerts.  

Ann was happiest when she was in the saddle sharing time with friends, family, and horses.   Her love of the equestrian lifestyle grew out of her experiences riding trails in Southern California with her dad at an early age.  She shared that love with her daughters throughout their lives as their "horse-show mom" and as a competitor.  She rode her dream horse named Commander in many exhibitions performing side saddle and carriage driving.

After retiring in Camden, Maine, in 2009, Ann dedicated her time working and volunteering in the Camden community.  She worked at one of the local shops in downtown Camden as well as volunteered her time at the Chamber of Commerce where she would help welcome visitors from all over world.

Ann spent much of her retirement playing active roles in gardening organizations including the Camden Garden Club, where she served as president, and the Garden Club Federation of Maine where served as a first vice president, and the scholarship and youth chair person.

Ann was an expert quilter and belonged to the Coastal Quilters group.  Her talent and love of quilting was evident in every project she made, each having their own personal touch and uniqueness.  Ann’s positive and caring personality will be missed by many.

Predeceased by her parents Martin and Josephine, surviving is her husband, Ronald of Camden; daughters Katherine and her husband Stephan Lupien, of Grafton Massachusetts; Margaret and her husband Stephen Wyman of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; and grandsons Kyle and Jacob. 

A celebration of life will be announced.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her honor to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation www.bcrf@bcrf.org; or Maine Cancer Foundation www.mainecancer.org/.  Condolences may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.  Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden, ME.