Dorothy Ann Amsler
July 9, 1946 - May 27, 2021
The world lost a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend on May 27, 2021. Dorothy Ann Amsler, aged 74, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully in her sleep after enduring ALS. Ann was born in Fairmont, WV on July 9, 1946. The oldest of nine children of the late Dorothy and Frank Lee, she enjoyed a happy childhood in the company of sisters and brothers who remember her as the person who most uplifted them in the world, and forged friendships that lasted until her passing. She received her bachelor’s degree in English from Alverno College, completed a master’s degree in English and a PhD in Medieval Literature from The Ohio State University. She moved to Newark in 1976 to start a family and a career. She leaves us having excelled at both, while also building a lifetime of friendships deeply rooted in this community.
Ann was intensely devoted to her family and was an incredibly compassionate and giving person. She raised four kind and loving children. She also raised her oldest grandson. Ann cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren; she especially loved Christmas.
Ann had a distinguished career at the University of Delaware, serving as a senior technical writer for over 30 years until her retirement in 2014. At the university, she was a dearly loved colleague whose wisdom with words influenced the craft of many writers in her field. She was also a valued member of the national Special Interest Group on University and College Computing Services (SIGUCCS), which inducted her into its Hall of Fame in 2010.
Ann was an active member of the Newark community. She was a member of Resurrection Parish, an active leader of Heroin H.U.R.T.S. and active in programs for suicide awareness and prevention.
Ann is survived by three of her four children, Sarah, Geoffrey and Andrew, and will be buried next to her late son Jason; children-in-law, Kasia Podbielski and Mahmood Delkhasteh; grandchildren, Cameron, Laylah, Penelope, and Dylan; siblings, Nancy and Kent Brown, Mary and Mike Painter, John Lee and Betty Pat Pratt, Greg and Sue Lee, Ginny Vallelonga, Patty and Andy Gall, Peggy and Dan Waldheim; extended siblings, Lee and Penny Amsler, Kurt and Penny Amsler, and Jon and Lamia Amsler; dozens of nieces and nephews; and a community of close and beloved friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance not immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine per the CDC and Governor of Delaware. Services and interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ann’s memory to your local ALS Association chapter.
Linda Delia
Dear Sarah, Geoff, Andy, and Ann’s siblings and family, I have so many memories of Ann from the 61 years of our friendship, and I will miss her terribly. I pray that each of you finds comfort and strength, knowing she’s at peace, and knowing how much she loved you. Let your tears be those of joy for an amazing life well-lived, and for all the wonderful memories that will keep her alive in your hearts. God bless!’
Jennifer Fajman
What a wonderful picture of Ann! This is the way I always want to remember Ann. Ann was a colleague of mine – I worked at the University of Maryland when she was in Delaware. Our paths intersected in many ways, mostly through SIGUCCS. Ann’s writing abilities were tapped, but it was lots more than that – her energy, forward-thinking, generating many ideas, and her wonderful sense of humor. Ann, of course, made many friends and she will be missed by so many people. I am so glad that I was one of Ann’s friends. Ann’s family admirably worked through this very difficult time and I admire them all and wish them the best. i know everyone, including my Delaware friends and SIGUCC friends are missing Ann very much.
Evie Partsch Mrsnik
I knew Ann from high school. She was always so kind, compassionate and loving towards all. She is enjoying her eternal reward and will be completely restored to the Ann Lee we all knew and loved.
Sister Sandra Clark, OSF
Dear Family,
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear Ann. My prayers for her include you and all who love her. I pray that as we miss her in this life, that the memory of her life on this earth and the promise of her eternal happiness may be a source of comfort and consolation to you. My Sisters in Community are remembering Ann in our daily Masses and prayers as her name is written on our prayer list. Peace.
WILLIAM F GRANEY
After visiting Ann at a few rough times, Resurrection parish friends held her in heart and prayers for years. Thank God for giving her wisdom and strength to deal with the tragic ALS. She was/ is a witness to many who carry intense burdens. Prayers for all and she will be remembered at Mass and other prayer times. May she rest in the peace she richly deserves.
Mark Sisk
Very sorry to read of Dorothy’s passing, condolences to her family.
Mary Fran Schmidt
Dear Andy, Sarah, Geoff and family,
So sorry to hear of Ann’s passing but rest assurred in the fact that she is in Our Lord’s presence and no longer suffers. I will miss terribly the person I called my friend for 74 + years and will cherish our many memories made over those years. God bless you all and I wish that I could make it to her memorial but that doesn’t seem possible for me at this time. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as well of those of my prayer group.
God’s peace surround you
Mary Fran Schmidt
Jon Delkhaste
You were an angel and now you have joined them. You are always alive in our hearts.
Susan McKenna
My husband, JIm Brophy, and I were neighbors of Ann on Aster Ave. for over twenty years. She always had such a wonderful smile and would offer to help us out with IT work in any way that she could. We will remember her fondly, especially all those mornings when she walked her grandson to the bus stop at the end of the road. Godspeed.
Christina Mason Johnston
I am so sorry to hear of Ann’s passing. I remember her kindness way back in my pre-teen years when Sarah and I were school mates and I would run into her many years later at UD and then at Newark Charter functions. She was always a bright spot. My sincere condolences. Christina (Mason) Johnston
Deana Burd Krygier
We knew Ann through her grandson Cameron.
Cameron, the entire Boy Scout 252 Pack and Troop are praying for strength for you and your family as you go through this difficult time. Your grandmother was always a kind and enjoyable person to talk to at meetings. She and you are missed. I hope her memories will be a blessing to you and your family once this initial shock of her passing subsides. Ann, Rest In Peace in God’s loving arms!
Deana Burd Krygier
Stef Pickering
Ann will be truly missed. She was the first person I met at UD. My deepest sympathy to the family. May you Rest in Peace. 🧡
Meg and Joel Teaford
We are sorry to learn of Anne’s death. We remember her fondly from our days together at the Newman Center at Ohio State. We were able to continue our friendship through Christmas greetings each day. Our deepest sympathy on your loss. Meg and Joel Teaford