Ann Broomall Gaul

in Phoenixville, PA. Ann was born on September 17, 1931, in the Anna Broomall wing of the Woman's

Medical College of Pennsylvania. She was the only child of the late Florence “Moo” Ewing and John

M. Broomall IV. In addition to her parents, Ann was predeceased by her son, Thomas W. Gaul.

Ann graduated from Swarthmore High School in 1949, where she was active in sports, leading

in field hockey, basketball, volleyball, and was undefeated in lacrosse. Ann later attended Penn State

University where she graduated with a degree in Education. While there, she continued her sports

career, serving twice as field hockey captain, and excelling in swimming. She went on to win the 1952

college singles Ping-Pong championship.

Ann was considered tenacious and gritty, with a penchant for the unexpected. In the 1970’s, she

and her family became local news, surprising their Berwyn neighbors when they converted a

dilapidated school bus into an RV. Ann led the family on an epic journey across the U.S., through the

Yukon Territory, and then traversed another 1,400 miles of graveled Alcan Highway, deep into Alaska.

She lived there, with her children, for several months, fishing, hunting, and experiencing the local

culture. Their trek culminated with a flight to Nuvuk (now Point Barrow), and Chitna, which she

reached by driving the bus down abandoned train tracks.

In later years, Ann’s love of ‘old things’ led her to the antiques business, where she became an

accomplished flea-marketer and antiques dealer. She was particularly devoted to children’s issues.

While actively raising her own children, she served as a regional director for the Easter Seals. Ann

later worked tirelessly for the Tredyffrin-Easttown School District as a bus driver and proud leader in

their union. She helped run Paoli Hospital’s Palm Tree Thrift Shop, where she managed the furniture

and men’s department, and was a long-time volunteer for the Berwyn Red Cross Rummage Sale.

Ann was affectionately known by those closest to her as Frau, Gum, Middy, and Old Lady. She

loved a good cup of cold coffee and had a renowned sweet tooth. Declaring “Dessert First,” Ann loved

pie, ice cream, and Captain Crunch cereal. Her craving for Reese’s Cups is legendary.

Ann is survived by her children Lawrence Gaul, Richard (Amber) Gaul, William (Diane) Gaul,

George Gaul, and Rebecca (Jesse) Gaul-Sanchez. Ann adored her eight grandsons, Willson, Davis,

Nodin, Girard, Russell, Tyler, Derek, and Dillon, and delighted in being a great-grandmother to

Brexton, Greyson, and Harper Nova. Though she couldn’t claim them as her own, Mark Bryant and

Sheila (Bryant) Vierra shall also remain forever in her heart.

A true “Amer-I-can”, Ann Gaul was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Funeral services March 21st at 10:30 am. at Alleva Funeral Home, Paoli, PA. Interment will be

at Eastlawn Cemetery in Swarthmore, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests

contributions be made in Ann’s memory to the Easter Seals Society, using the following link:

https://www.easterseals.com/esep/