Ann Turnbull Lowry

After a years-long defiance of cancer, Ann Turnbull Lowry died peacefully at home on January 5th. She was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma on February 18, 1937 but entered first grade in Chicago during WWII, while her father, stationed at Navy Pier, served in the Pacific. After the war, her parents Melville and Kenneth Turnbull returned to Ardmore with Ann and her little brother Tom.

Ann felt lucky to have grown up in a small town and continued to think of Ardmore as “home.” In 1955, she graduated from Ardmore High School as student council president, class favorite and outstanding senior girl. She attended Sweet Briar College in Virginia for two years, during which time she traveled to Europe and New York City. Ann considered these to have been among the happiest and most enlightening years of her life. A proud member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, she graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1959, making the dean’s list with a degree in English.

In 1960, Ann moved to Austin with husband Wallace “Buck” McLean. Before having children, she worked at the Harry Ransom Center, which afforded her the opportunity to see the library grow in national excellence. Daughter Ellen was born in 1961 and son William (Bill) in 1964. Following a divorce, Ann was a single mother for ten years and worked in the field of interior design. She married Dr. Jack Kidd in 1979, and they enjoyed many happy times during their two decades together, including the births of six grandchildren.

Ever the enthusiast, Ann’s interests included art, travel, design, food, books, movies, history, bridge, and current affairs. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed tennis, fishing, hiking, and beach-combing. She was an ardent fan of U.T. basketball and football, while having the rare distinction of also remaining a loyal Oklahoma Sooner fan. Ann was a gifted cook and generous host, perhaps happiest when entertaining guests around her dining table, much to their delight. She wrote beautiful notes and letters, and was the warmest of friends to many.

Ann enjoyed affiliations with the Junior League of Austin and Kappa Kappa Gamma Austin Alumnae Association (of which she was past president), and was an elder at University Presbyterian Church. A perennial learner, Ann continued her education through the U.T. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and treasured her membership in a book club established over 40 years ago. She directed her charitable giving to organizations focused on conservation, hunger relief, and public media.

In 2005, Ann married Dr. Thomas (Tim) Lowry, and the two shared fifteen years of joy and adventure. Whether at home in Austin, enjoying the Texas Hill Country, or traveling to Costa Rica, Antarctica, Croatia or Morocco, they delighted in one another’s company. Ann was devoted to Tim and took exceptional care of him throughout his long and challenging decline.

Ann will be remembered for her ready smile, boundless energy, keen sense of curiosity, and willing heart in support and service of others. She approached adversity with the utmost grace, optimism, and composure.

Ann is preceded in death by her beloved parents Melville and Kenneth Turnbull, brother Thomas Turnbull, former husband Buck McLean, and husband Tim Lowry. In addition to many loving cousins and friends, she is survived by her children Ellen Lake and husband David, Bill McLean and wife Carlotta, grandchildren Annie Hicks Adams and husband Alex, William McLean, and John Henry McLean; former husband Dr. Jack Kidd, step-children Craig Kidd, Kristin Kidd Fason and husband Dr. Drake Fason, and step-grandchildren Claire Fason, Sam Fason and Kate Fason, Andrew Lake and step-great-grandson Maier Lake; step-children Maria Lowry, Ben Lowry and wife Alison, Anne Lowry Elton and husband Jeff, and step-grandchildren Emma Foster, Helen Foster, Eva Elton, and Owen Elton.

The family wishes to offer special thanks to Ann’s dedicated caregivers Brittani Tellez, Bridgett Brown, Linda Villanueva, Maribel Huerta and Hospice Austin, whose wisdom and care provided comfort to Ann and family through her last months.

A celebration of Ann’s life will be held at University Presbyterian Church on Thursday, January 15th at 11:00, followed by a reception at Tarry House. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.