Ann Catherine Lacey

Ann Catherine Lacey (née Eckhoff), 84, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, in Alabaster, Alabama, after a long illness. Her life was marked by creativity, compassion, and a deep commitment to family and community.

Born on February 16, 1941, in Birmingham, Alabama, Ann was the daughter of George and Catherine (Cantley) Eckhoff. She grew up in the heart of Birmingham and attended Blessed Sacrament School before graduating from West End High School with the Class of 1959, where she made many lifelong friends. She continued her education at Alverson Draughn Business College.

Ann dedicated several years to volunteering in the Gwinnett County School System in various roles. After the passing of her husband, Edward Latham Lacey, she returned to Alabama where she worked as a receptionist and secretary for many years. She later retired from Shelby Baptist Hospital.

Faith played an important role throughout Ann's life. She was raised in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and remained active in her faith as a member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, St.

Patrick's Catholic Church (GA), and St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

Ann's greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She is survived by her daughter Anita (John) LaSusa; son Clayton Lacey; grandsons Shawn (Emily) LaSusa, Joshua (Alissa) LaSusa, and Daniel LaSusa; and great-grandchildren Elanor, John, Ada, Michael, Emerson, and Charlotte. She cherished every moment with her family

-especially when her grandsons would walk to her house after school to visit and getting to hold her great-grandchildren.

A woman of many talents and interests, Ann was an avid reader who especially enjoyed mysteries. She found joy in crocheting blankets, clothes, and crafts for loved ones. Her curiosity extended to astrology

—a subject she followed with keen interest-and she had a lifelong love for dogs.

Above all else, Ann was an artist at heart. As a young woman, she won the Jefferson County General Federation of Women's Clubs art talent contest- Her artistic legacy includes illustrating "Took-It Learns a Lesson" coloring book; designing cover art for "What is Going On in Our Schools?" and contributing both cover art and a story to "West End High School Memories and More". Painting portraits of family and friends held a special place in her heart.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband Edward Latham Lacey; son Daniel George Lacey; and parents George and Catherine Eckhoff.

Her warmth, creativity, and enduring love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those whose lives she touched. A Rosary will be held on February 15, 2026, at 01:00 PM at Elmwood Cemetery - Graveside 600 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211