Ann M. Belcher

Mrs. Ann Marie Bengert Belcher, devoted daughter, and only child, of Carl and Mary Jane Bengert, beloved wife to Dr. John M. “Doc” Belcher, Jr. and loving stepmother to John M. “Rusty” Belcher III, made her graceful departure from this life on February 28, 2012.

Ann was a graduate of the Scranton School of Business, and began her professional employment with the Tuberculosis Society in Scranton, where after a couple of years, her boss facilitated her transfer to the Washington, D.C. office of the TB Society. Her talents and abilities led her to seek employment at the National Education Association (NEA), Department of Field Services, Office of Urban Services, where she later met her future husband. Here, too she followed a successful career in administration, the capstone of her professional life being her work as the Administrative Manager of the Office of General Counsel at the NEA from which she retired after 25 years of diligent service.

Ann was an avid traveler, and she and Doc traveled extensively throughout North America, Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean. She loved cooking and mastered the art of various cuisines. She believed in giving back which she displayed through her generosity with friends, regular contributions to charitable causes and periodic volunteer work. She was known for her infectious laughter and for her loyalty and devotion to her husband and companion “Doc” Belcher for more than 46 years.

She is survived by her husband “Doc:, her stepson Rusty, her daughter-in-law Shan Zhuo, granddaughter Shan Shan, and many friends, including her close friends for nearly 50 years, Nancy Gasper, Delores Bartley, Roger Hart, and Rodger McHugh; friends/neighbors Chuck and Paula Vitale, who welcomed Ann and Doc to Florida more than 15 years ago; and devoted neighbors/friends Rick and Karen Braun, Pat Brown, Dick and Bonnie Rowland, Mary Laske, and Tom and Melva Lee who welcomed them to Ocala Palms nearly nine years ago.

There will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann's memory may be made to the Legacy House, Hospice of Marion County, 9505 SW 110th Street, Ocala, FL 34481.

Arrangements under the direction of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Ocala, FL.