Ann S Dittrich

She was born and raised in Ohio by Italian immigrant, working class parents who were self-sufficient. They had fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and chickens. Mom used to talk about making a minimum of thirteen loaves of bread on the weekends for the family of fifteen. She also spoke about having to do a lot of knitting of socks, sweaters, gloves, scarves, etc, and canning vegetables and fruit in the summertime.

When she graduated from high school at 17 years old she came to the big city (DC) with her older sister to find work. The military was hiring then and she got a secretary job at the Pentagon. She believed in working hard and was proud of being able to support herself. Her work ethic was responsible for her self-confidence and independent nature. She met Thomas Dittrich, Sr. who was in the Army at that time. After he was discharged from the service they were married and they bought a home in Bren Mar Park. They raised two children, Tom Jr. and Gail. She kept a spotlessly clean house, tastefully decorated. She loved sewing, knitting, reading, and playing with the bridge club. She retired from the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1984.

After Dad passed she lived alone and her neighbors watched out for her. Her short-term memory started failing, which was later diagnosed as the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease. The children eventually moved her to a nice retirement home in Solomons, Maryland, where she had great care and was happy. Her daughter was able to visit and care for her nearly every day. Tom would visit when he could and she would light up when visited by him and occasionally by her grandchildren.

It was difficult for the family to observe her mind having so much trouble remembering things. Maybe some day scientists will find a cure so others won’t have to deal with this disease. She had a long and happy life and will be missed by all.

By Jerry C. and Gail D. Canaday, Aug. 2013