Former Kenosha resident, Ann Werve, passed away peacefully on January 23rd, 2008, in Laguna Niguel, CA. She was 94. Ann was born in Kenosha on October 12, 1912, and attended St. James Parochial School. She graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School and attended Northwestern University for two years. Ann worked as a social worker with the Kenosha Welfare Department and later with Catholic Social Services. In 1942, Ann was awarded the Civilian Heroism Award, the nation’s highest civilian award, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for her work uncovering a German spy ring operating in Southern Arizona. She loved to travel and lived for a period of time n China and Germany. Following retirement, Ann returned to college and at age 65 graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. She moved to Green Valley, AZ, in 1994 and then to California in 2001. Ann remained a lifetime supporter of St. James Parish and was also a past member of the Elk’s Club in Kenosha and in Green Valley, the American Association of University Women, and the Kenosha Catholic Woman’s Club. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Marie Gaffney; her husband, Matt; her sister, Jean Hauper; brother, Thomas Gaffney; and daughters, Frances Werve and Mary Clare Ligh. She is survived by her son, Frederick and daughter-in-law, Candace Werve, of Laguna Niguel, CA, and son-in-law, Calvin Ligh of Aliso Viejo, CA. She is also survived by grandchildren, Kristen Howley of Moss Beach, CA, Wendy Werve-Roper of Chantilly, VA, Alexandra Koleno of Portland, OR, and Joseph, Thomas and Franklin Ligh of Aliso Viejo; and eight great-grandchildren. Ann devoted her life to family and to her many friends. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, June 13th, at St. James Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow at St. George Cemetery.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Ann’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Dolly Kovera Fitch
June 16, 2008
To Fred, Candy, Kristy, Wendy, Alex, Calvin, Joseph, Thomas, Franklin, et al... dear friends across the years & miles... my heart goes out to you in your loss of a Great Lady, & I am further saddened that I missed Ann's 6/13/08 Kenosha Memorial w/you. I have in the past visited Dear Francie's resting place next to her Dad, your Dear Matt.... & now I will visit Ann too. Surely Mary Clare's & Francie's "perpetual" vigor & zest for life sprung from that of Ann & Matt.....and that the Werve Girls are all together now w/Matt warms the soul.... Dear Fred and Dear Calvin & Families, praise the Lord for all the Joyous, Laughter-filled, Sunny Happy California Werve-Ligh days you all lived & shared together in days gone by. I know they were a treasure because Mary Clare & Francie & Ann were apart of them & I heard the stories across the years........ Ann & Clare & I spent many a sunny sit in her Kenosha 72nd Street kitchen nook sharing a tale or two, many laughs, some great turkey soup w/toast (Aunt Marguerite left-overs), .... and then there were the "Hat" fashion shows, living room picnics, piano recitals, Chloe puppy antics, Christmas Tree (Re) set-ups (Thank God for Fishing Line!) And the memories live on. Knowing that time supports we "grievers" ... that our lives will move on & w/God's Blessings we will be refreshed w/new experiences & new people... Just wanted terribly to let you know that the time I spent w/your DEAREST LOVED ONES ... is very treasured by this extraneous Kenosha contact. My Love & Heart goes out to you @ this sensitive, emotional time, returning to K-Town to deliver your Sweet Mother Ann to rest finally next to her/your Matt. May God keep you all well & safe in His direct care for continued long & healthy envigorating lives. Much Love, Dolly Kovera Fitch
Kathy White
June 16, 2008
Dear Fred,You have been in my thoughts through the past several years, especially during the sad times of Francie and Mary Claire's passing. I have fond memories of your mom as a gentle, kind and very pretty lady. The closeness in location of your family home and my grandmother's home brought us together frequently. Please accept my sympathy - and my prayers for you during this sad time.
Susie (Gallatin) Wittenmeier
June 13, 2008
Dear Werve Family, You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry I was unable to make the service today. Mrs. Werve lived a very productive life. She was a wonderful person and great mother. I am sure you will all miss her but are so fortunate to have many memories of life with her. I always share with family and friends her story of finishing college after retiring. It is a great lesson of perseverance! God Bless You All! Love, Susie and Family