Ann Connolly Tripe died peacefully in her sleep early Sunday morning, July 1, 2018. She was 93 years old, and very proud to have made it to that age! Ann was born in Dublin, Ireland to James and Annie Connolly on the 15th of February, 1925. She was the 4th of 5 siblings. She attended school in Inchicore, Dublin, and later at Parnell Square Technical School. She studied the Gaelic language for 16 years and spent summers in the Gaeltacht in the West of Ireland.
By the time Ann was 26, her mother persuaded her to leave Ireland to join the family in California. On November 12, 1951, Ann arrived in the United States on the Queen Elizabeth. She loved the nightly dances on board!
In 1953, Ann met Patrick Tripe, MD at a Naval Officer’s Club Dinner Dance. They married on September 4, 1954 and spent the next 56 years together until his passing in 2010. Their adventures included raising five children and traveling together to over 140 countries!
Ann was devoted to her faith and her family. As a parishioner at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, she volunteered and participated in prayer and Bible groups for over 30 years. She was an active member the East San Fernando Valley Medical Auxiliary for 40 years, raising money for nursing scholarships while sharing friendships through planned activities. She often held leadership roles. Ann and Pat founded the first swim team at OLG where all their children attended school, grades 1-8.
She earned her BS in Interior Design from Woodbury University in 1977, summa cum laude, launching a successful 20-year career running her own business. She was a professional member of the American Society of Interior Design, received the ASID Presidential Award (6 years) and achieved her NCIDQ Certification. She designed rooms for the Pasadena Showcase House and worked on the historical renovation of Hollyhock House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Ann will be most remembered for her “lilt of Irish laughter” and kindness. She loved to play the piano, tell stories and write poems, and sing! She adored her grandchildren and the feeling was mutual. Her optimism, joyfulness and selfless, gentle spirit will be truly missed.
Ann is survived by two daughters: Sheila (Istvan Benko) and Karen (Steve Rogers), three sons Paul, Gary and Stephen (Belinda), and six grandchildren. She is survived by her sister Jean Connolly.
If you wish to make a donation in Ann's name, please consider:
Alzeimer's Foundation of America
or
Sacred Heart Retreat House
920 E. Alhambra Rd.
Alhambra, CA 91801
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