Ann Elise Chalifoux was born in 1931, the only child of Ralph and Mamye (Binion) Chalifoux. A strong and independent woman, her accomplishments began early on when she was selected as “Most Outstanding Girl” in the 1948 inaugural class of John Carroll High School, and she won a citizenship award that earned a trip to Washington DC during which she met her soulmate and future husband Robert (Bob). Ann has strong roots in Birmingham, where she lived all but a few years of her life when she accompanied Bob to an Army posting in New York. She attended both the University of Alabama and Birmingham Southern College.
Ann was active in many environmental, civic, and community organizations, was a generous supporter of environmental and charitable causes, and was a natural leader. She served as president of the Birmingham Audubon Society, the Alabama Wildflower Society, and the Ladies Auxiliary at Saint Francis Xavier Church. Ann and Bob were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cahaba River Society. In her later years, Ann crisscrossed the country in an RV with Bob, with regular visits to family, friends, and timing trips to view bird migrations.
Ann had a deep love for nature, and in 1989 she and Bob designed and built their dream home, nestled in 14 acres with abundant wildflowers and birds. They established most of this land as a conservation easement with the Freshwater Land Trust, securing the property as a natural habitat for decades to come. When living in their house became impractical, they moved to Kirkwood by the River in 2015 where they found a caring community of residents and staff. The family extends sincere thanks to all of the staff at Kirkwood, with special thanks to long-time devoted caregiver Julie Huguley.
Ann was preceded in death by husband Bob, and is survived by son Robert G Tate Jr. (Laura) of Atlanta, son Stephen R Tate (Liz) of Greensboro NC; grandchildren Alexandra, Erin, Elise and Reid Tate.
As COVID prevented a memorial service for Bob, a joint memorial service for Ann and Bob will be held at Kirkwood by the River on May 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to either the Cahaba River Society or Kirkwood by the River.
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