Ann Stocker

Born in Bridgeport, CT on October 25, 1929

Departed on August 25, 2017 and resided in Franklin, TN

Ann Stocker, age 87, passed away August 25, 2017. She was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Anna and John Smuligo on October 25, 1929.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Robert (Bob) Stocker, her children, John, Eric, Bradley, and Paula, her grandchildren, Blake, Robert, Lydia, Ayla, Dylan, Riley, Brandon, and Easton, her two sisters, Mary Kochis and Pauline Henson.

Ann grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Always the caretaker, she spent a great deal of time babysitting and tutoring younger children. She enjoyed trips to New York City and spending time at the beach in the summer. In her early 20's, Ann and her sister Pauline traveled to Southern California to fulfill a dream and begin a new life. Working as an accountant she met her future husband, Bob, in 1955. Ann and Bob married in 1961 in Monterey Park, California at St Stephen's Catholic Church and resided in San Gabriel, California. They moved to Denver, Colorado in the winter of 1970 and then to Tennessee in 1982.

Ann's focus over the years was her family. As a stay at home Mom she created a stable and loving environment for her family, putting their needs and comfort above her own. She was home when her children returned from school, took care of them when they were sick, and provided boundless encouragement and support.

She was committed to provide for their Christian religious studies and made certain each child attended weekly religion classes, church activities, mass on Sunday's and Holy Days.

Birthdays were celebrated, Ann hosted many birthday parties while they were growing up. She also gave her children the opportunity to participate in numerous activities - including cub scouts, baseball, basketball, tennis, golf, and skiing - with Ann often carting her children to games and practices. Education was important in the Stocker family. As a testament to her support, her children earned four undergraduate degrees, four master's degrees, and one Ph.D. At the many graduation ceremonies she attended no one was more proud or took less credit, content to stay in the background. Ann was a big believer in the value of work, encouraging her children to work outside the home from an early age, from mowing lawns and shoveling snow to caddying and babysitting. She encouraged her children to work hard, following their dreams, and to not be afraid of failing. This eternal support and commitment will live on for generations to come.

Outside of the home Ann liked to travel, visiting many places in the United States. Towards the end of her life she found great joy in trips to Hilton Head and Lake Tahoe with her children and grandchildren. In 2012 she took her first and only overseas trip to Scotland with Bob, two of her children, and one of her grandchildren. She loved her family, her dog, Rainy, her sunroom, her flowerbeds, and hearing from her children.

Visitation 9:30-11:00 on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 with Deacon Dan Pyles officiating. Interment at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Tennessee.