Ann Tracy Bertsch

Ann Tracy Bertsch, a devoted educator, beloved sister and aunt, loyal friend, world traveler, and generous spirit, lived a life defined by service, friendship, family, and a remarkable attention to detail. Born on July 21, 1939, in Baltimore, Maryland, to George Tracy Bertsch and Charlotte Tickner Bertsch, Ann leaves behind a legacy of meaningful work, treasured memories, and countless lives made better because she was a part of them.

Ann grew up alongside and is survived by her three sisters: Betty Loppacker (Chuck, deceased), Nancy Ratchford (Bill, deceased), and her twin, Barbara Cox (Bob). She was a proud graduate of Westhampton College at the University of Richmond and went on to earn her master’s degree from Michigan State University. Ann was a breast cancer survivor, demonstrating the determination (some would say hard-headedness) that characterized so much of her life.

Ann dedicated 30 years of her professional life to the Prince George’s County Public School System in Maryland, serving as both a teacher and administrator. Her work with children who were visually and hearing impaired was far more than a career; it was a calling.

One of Ann’s most significant professional accomplishments began in 1987, when she and a colleague envisioned creating what would become the first deaf-blind preschool class in the county. The program soon became a model, attracting visitors from throughout Maryland who wanted to learn from its success.

Ann received the 1990 Outstanding Educator Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to education. She was instrumental in organizing the Vision Program Parent Advocacy Group and the Maryland State Steering Committee for the Programs of the Visually Impaired. She also played an important role in Camp Pecometh, where she helped create meaningful summer experiences for children with visual impairments.

As an educator Ann was conscientious, organized, deeply caring, and always willing to do whatever was necessary to help a child succeed.

Ann made her home in College Park, Maryland, where she formed many lifelong friendships, including those within her beloved Westchester Group. She also spent many summers working in the front office at Camp Strawderman in the Shenandoah Valley, adding to the friendships and experiences she cherished throughout her life.

In 2017, Ann moved to Westminster Canterbury in Richmond, Virginia, which quickly became her “happy place.” She found joy in the people around her and in the everyday moments that made this special place home.

Family was always at the center of Ann’s life. She was a devoted aunt to her six nieces and two nephews and their families. Ann took great pride in planning annual family Thanksgiving reunions. She delighted in creating opportunities for her family to make memories.

Her love of travel took her around the world, with adventures on every continent except Antarctica. She always returned home with souvenirs, eager to share a little piece of each destination with the people she loved.

Ann loved crafts of all kinds. She also took great pride in being organized. Her walk-in closets were legendary, with blouses arranged in perfect rainbow-color order. Every outfit had its coordinating accessory and Ann was always impeccably dressed. Then there were the shoes—shoes, shoes, shoes!

Her standards extended beyond her closets. Ann valued excellence, preparation, and doing things the right way. She could be particular, but those who knew her understood that her high expectations came with a generous heart and a deep investment in the people and things she cared about.

Ann also had a wonderful sense of humor and was never one to leave people guessing about what she thought. In her later years the nurses enjoyed the banter back and forth and Ann’s quick responses. She said it like it was!

Ann was born with a sweet tooth. There was almost always a Hershey bar or a bag of M&M’s nearby, accompanied by a Diet Coke. And anyone fortunate enough to enjoy one of her beloved black bottom cupcakes knows that Ann understood the happiness that a chocolate treat could bring.

A Legacy of Love

Ann’s life was filled with service, adventure, laughter, friendship, and a love for others. Those who knew Ann will remember her perfectly coordinated outfits, her meticulous organization, her candid observations, her thoughtful gifts, and the many expressions and sayings that became part of her unmistakable personality.

In true Ann fashion, we imagine she would not want too much fuss over a final goodbye. Instead, she might leave us with one of her familiar rhymes: “See you later, alligator!”

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on December 4th in The Chapel of Westminster Canterbury, 1600 Westbrook Avenue, Richmond. A reception will follow. All are welcome.

Lastly, the family is eternally grateful for the love, support, and care that the staff of the Healthcare Center in Westminster Canterbury and that her devoted niece, Charlotte Morris, have provided for Ann. In lieu of flowers, please direct any contributions to the Westminster Canterbury Richmond Employee Celebration Fund, 1600 Westbrook Ave, Richmond, VA 23227