ANN PONTIUS

May 30, 1944 - Jan. 15, 2011
SOUTH BEND - Ann Pontius, 66, passed away in the Cardinal Nursing Home on Saturday morning after an illness. Ann was born in South Bend to George W. Pontius III and Gertrude O'Neill Pontius on May 30, 1944. Her parents and brother preceded her in death. Ann is survived by two sisters, Sue (James) Duignan of Redwood City, California, and Joan Pontius of South Bend. Also surviving are her niece, Nellie (John) Mikulin of San Francisco, California, and nephew, Paddy (Gloria) Duignan of Redwood City, California. Ann also leaves behind two great-nephews, Ryan and Ethan Duignan of Redwood City, California.

Ann attended St. Mary's Campus School, St. Anthony's and St. Joseph's Grade Schools, St. Mary's Academy and Central High School in South Bend. She also attended St. Coletta of Wisconsin in Jefferson, WI.

Her work experience included Logan Center and Goodwill Industries. Ann had a generous, optimistic, humanitarian and spiritual view of the world. She loved dance and music, especially the Big Bands sound, and she played piano beautifully. She was a gifted writer, and particularly enjoyed writing and reading poetry. While growing up, she often sat on the front porch talking with neighborhood youngsters, who loved spending time with her and listening to her imaginative children's stories. Ann loved to travel and enjoyed many family trips, visiting relatives and sight seeing. Ann's life has been full, and she has enriched the lives of so many of us. For that we are grateful.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Cardinal Nursing Home staff, who have provided a warm and caring "second home" for Ann for many years. We have met some of you just recently, but to each and every one of you who have been a part of her life through the years, thank you. You all know who you are, and you truly have been a blessing. The stories of joy and fun and special relationships that you have shared with Ann will continue to comfort us. Her gentle spirit brightened many a day for staff and residents alike, and we know it will continue.

Thank you also to the Harbor Light Hospice staff who have been very supportive and caring during her last days with us. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Logan Center, 2505 East Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, IN 46615. We offer special thanks to very special staff for ongoing care and support.

Arrangements have been made through the Palmer Funeral Home- Hickey Chapel, South Bend. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2011, in Holy Cross Church, 920 Wilbert Street, South Bend. Father Michael Matthews will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 9-10 a.m. on Wednesday in church. Private interment will be held at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jan. 17, 2011.

02/21/2023 EJS