Ann Wicklund

Ann Wicklund (Cunningham) – Barrington

Born March 3, 1936 in Chicago to Robert Paul “Boppa” and Virginia (nee Kelly) Cunningham, Ann passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at the age of 80.

Ann was a lifelong volunteer for many services including JourneyCare Hospice, Suicide Hotline, as well as helping physically and mentally disabled persons. She was awarded Volunteer of the Year at several places. Even in death she continues to give, as she has donated her body for scientific research. She also loved to travel, especially to her beloved Ireland. She was immensely proud of her Irish heritage.
Her husband Leonard gave her 28 wonderful years together after marrying in Mundelein on March 17, 1988. His love to her was never ending. “You are a good man.” Yes, dad, she knew. You will have to turn off the lights without a reminder now, but know that your light shone bright for her and she knew.
Ann had hoped to live long enough to see her grandson, Cavan, graduate from the University of Iowa in 2017. It wasn’t meant to be, but she will be there in our hearts instead. She was extremely proud of him.
She had the greatest of friends, and she knew this, as reflected in her favorite quote: “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say, My glory was I had such friends.” –William B. Yeats.

Ann will be dearly missed by her children, Virginia “Kelly” Jones, Ross Smith, Steve Hatfield; her step-children, Linnea (Michael) Harwell, Dean (Mia) Wicklund, and Lisa Wicklund; her loving grandchildren, Cavan, Sheyla, Sorrel, Kai, Judith, Kale, Brett, Trevor, and Elise.

She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Kara Ann; sister, Kay; and brother, Bill.

In her memory, donations may be made to the JourneyCare Foundation, 2050 Claire Ct, Glenview, IL 60025.

How can anyone put into words a goodbye to the greatest wife, mother, sister, grandmother “Nannie”? Her heart will continue to beat within us, a reminder, always, of the lives she gave that will continue on. One step forward, Mom.