Ann Andrew, 90

Ann Andrew, 90, a beloved mother, daughter and friend, passed away June 27, 2021, with her son, David, by her side while in the care of the loving staff at the Libby Care Center.

She was born in Santa Fe, N.M., and grew up there. After graduating from Santa Fe High School, she went on to study voice and music at the University of Denver. She received a degree in voice and music, and went on to sing professionally. She performed at such famous venues as The Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The Hollywood Bowl, The Santa Fe Opera. Later in life, she sang for the pure joy of it with the choir at the Church of Holy Faith in Santa Fe.

Ann married Dr. Murray Marcus Friedman and raised two children, Becky and David. Later in life, she worked in the travel industry focusing on international tours. She loved to travel and share the wonders of the world with others.

An avid tennis player and skier, she loved the outdoors and continued to ski late into her 70s. She was always proud of overcoming her fear of water and becoming a certified scuba diver. She went on to dive in all reaches of the world with wonderful friends from New Mexico.

In 2003, she moved to Libby to be close to her son. She settled in quickly and made many friends through church, community groups and volunteer work. She often could be found at church, helping pack lunches for children in need, or at the hospital, pushing the files around in the basement, or in the gift store with her loving, smiling face.

She is survived by her son, David, and his beloved wife, Sharron; her amazing stepdaughter, Mary Birnbaum, and husband, Gorge, and their beautiful children, Michael, David and Becky; her wonderful sister, Marge Ruppenthal, her son and his lovely wife, Kenny and Pam Ruppenthal; and her other wonderful sister Mary Wood’s daughter, Jody Wood; her nephew and his loving wife, Ron and Susie Friedman, and their amazing children; her loving caring cousin, Lee, and all her family; as well as all her amazing friends that she had throughout her life.

Ann is in the hands of God now, joining all the loved ones that preceded her on her journey.

Her last words were “I’m happy — I love you,” a message to all of us to live life to its fullest love lots!

Rest in peace, Mom. We love you!

Memorial services will be held at Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby on July 29 at 3 p.m. A reception will follow at 259 Kootenai Drive and another will be held at Holy Faith Episcopal Church in Santa Fe, N.M., at 11 a.m., Sept. 25.

Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.