Ann Arlene Gautreaux

Ann was born in Johnstown, Cambria County, PA on July 13, 1941 the daughter of the late Clarence Arthur Spicher and Betty Pepley Webb. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister Wanda Brooks.

Ann was a resident of PA, OH, GA, and NJ before settling down in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1969. While in Williamsburg, Ann's work experience was quite diverse. She was a nurse's aide at Eastern State Hospital, a visitors' aide at Colonial Williamsburg, a cab driver for Colonial Cab, and a lieutenant officer at Pinkerton Security. Ann spent a significant amount of time at each of these career paths where she was a faithful employee. It is noteworthy to add that while at Colonial Williamsburg she met many celebrities, one of which was John Wayne. This meeting sparked a lifelong love of John Wayne.

Ann was a parishioner at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Toano, where she was a very active member. As part of the worship service, Ann was a communion assistant and an usher. She also was a soprano singer in the choir and taught Sunday School. She was a member of their Worship Committee that helped create their mission statement and helped direct the future of the Church.

Ann enjoyed reading and watching old Hollywood movies, especially her John Wayne westerns. She also enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. Ann's baked ham and pies were a holiday staple, and her chicken and dumplings and famous potato salad for family gatherings and cookouts, were always a hit. She especially enjoyed baking cakes from her collection of cake molds and enjoyed decorating them for her children and grandchildren’s birthdays. However, her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Ann demonstrated unconditional love and forgiveness towards all her loved ones. She never met a stranger she didn't know and she always left a warm impression with everyone she met. We will always remember her unwavering faith and positive attitude that got her through many illnesses and surgeries.

Ann is survived by her children, Joanie Begeman Webb Thomas (Floyd) of Eden, NC; Sandy Iwanski Drake of Williamsburg, VA; Stanley “Sonny” Iwanski (Roni) of Lanexa, VA; Tracey Gautreaux Mansisidor (J) of Williamsburg, VA; and Gloria Gautreaux Kern (Kyle) of Virginia Beach, VA.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Mick Jacobs (Wendy) of Barhamsville, VA; Adam Jacobs of Eden, NC; Samantha Drake Brown (Quinton Jr.) Of Williamsburg, VA; Danielle Drake of Williamsburg, VA; Sydney Iwanski of Lanexa, VA; Austen Iwanski of Lanexa, VA; Alexsis Mansisidor Booher (Heather) of Richmond, VA; Andres Mansisidor (Dr. Tulsi Patel) of New York; Ross Mansisidor of Richmond, VA; Chris Mansisidor of Richmond, VA; Shea Mansisidor of Williamsburg, VA; Zachary Mansisidor of Williamsburg, VA; Desiree Porter Stevens (Ethan) of Virginia Beach, VA.

Ann had several great-grandchildren: Brandon Mitchell; Alyssa Dehart; Gavin Dehart; Talyn Dehart; Tabitha Schloendorn; Dylan Schloendorn; Kayla Bowles; Nick Bowles; Dominic Jacobs; Ashley Jacobs; Kenny Jacobs; Kian Brown; Avery Brown; one great-grandchild to arrive in Dec. 2020, Kace Brown; Gillian Booher; Greyson Westervelt; Byron Stevens; and one great-great-grandchild, Adelyn Mitchell.

Also surviving are Ann's sister and brother; Dianne Fisher and Ross Spicher of Leavenworth, Kansas.

Her former husband and father of Joanie Thomas, Ronald L. Begeman, preceded her in death. She is survived by former husbands Stanley C. Iwanski, father of Sandy Drake and Sonny Iwanski; and Earl Gautreaux, father of Tracey Mansisidor and Gloria Kern. She will also be missed by her special friend, Curtis Phillips.

The family would like to give a special Thank You to all of Ann’s doctors and the staff at VCU through the years, as well as her Personal Touch caregivers, and her former caregivers, Alice Billings, Catherine Cavantis, as well as many others.

A Celebration of Life and Burial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, January 4, 2021 at Williamsburg Memorial Park, 130 King William Drive.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Ann’s honor be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231-4596 or www.heart.org.