Ann L. Safkow

Ann Louise (O'Connor) Safkow passed away peacefully on March 20, 2024. She was 87 years of age.

Ann was born to the late Rose Ann Dailey and William Patrick O'Connor on July 20, 1936, in Alliance, Ohio. She was the eldest of two daughters and lived most of her life in the Alliance/Sebring area.

Ann lived a graceful life - one of kindness, love and acceptance. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Sebring. Her unwavering faith and dedication to the service of others provided a rich framework for her wonderful life.

Ann graduated from Sebring McKinley High School as the Valedictorian for the Class of 1954. On June 27, 1959, Ann married Andrew (Andy) Allen Safkow and were happily married for 52 years until his passing on March 3, 2012. One of her greatest joys in life was raising their five children. Ann was also blessed with three grandchildren. Ann treasured the time she spent with her children and grandchildren, truly enjoying every moment with them.

Following high school, Ann accepted a challenging position at the Alliance Manufacturing Company. She worked there for seven years in support of the sales department. As a lifelong learner, Ann took the first opportunity she found to pursue her higher education. She earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from Kent State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude. Postgraduate work was done at Mount St. Joseph's University in Cincinnati where she completed a Master of Arts degree in Childhood Education. Ann began her teaching career in Sebring, Ohio at F. A. Sebring elementary school. She taught for a combined 25 years at the F.A. Sebring and B.L. Miller elementary schools. Ann cherished her time spent with students and colleagues. She had the innate ability to awaken young minds and found pure delight in helping young students find joy in learning and discovery.

Ann had her own unique brand of creativity that seeped into every aspect of her life. Gardening and watercolor painting were two of her deepest passions. Transforming a blank canvas or parcel into a thing of beauty was such a joy for her.

Ann found great delight in the art of discovery and exploration. She traveled extensively with Andy and their children, as well as with extended family and friends. They covered large swaths of North and Central America, Europe and the British Isles. Ann and Andy took pride in broadening their children's horizons and expanding their cultural awareness. Ann spent decades researching and successfully connecting her family’s heritage, which led to further traveling and fostering special relationships with extended family.

Ann will fondly be remembered for her daily walking meditations. A walk outside was such a beautiful opportunity for her to nourish her spirit and soothe her soul. There existed a peace in every step as she relished the experience.

Ann’s life story is one of strength, love and unwavering resilience. May her spirit continue to uplift and guide us.

Ann will be greatly missed by her children Lynn Anne of Bellingham, Washington; Andrew Allen Jr. of New York City; William Jonathan of New York City; Edward Joseph of Pawleys Island, SC; and Jennifer Lee (James) Stull of Silver Lake, Ohio; grandchildren Jacob Stull, Nathan (Aubrienne) Stull and Leah Stull; sister Margaret O’Connor of Delray Beach, Florida; sister-in-law Sue Safkow; and many nephews and nieces.

Ann is preceded in death by her parents, husband Andy and several brother/sister-in-laws.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday March 27, 2024 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Sebring at 10:00 a.m. Friends may call prior to the mass at 9:00 a.m., or from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening March 26, 2024 at Cassaday Turkle Christian Funeral Home in Alliance, Ohio.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Brookdale Montrose for taking such wonderful care of Ann.