Ann Browder

Ann D. Browder (Sorensen) of Kalamazoo, MI, died peacefully on Friday, September 29, 2017 at the age of 74. She was born on October 8, 1942 in Knoxville, TN to Olive (Forsythe) and Olin L. Browder. When Ann was a young girl she moved with her family to Norman, Oklahoma where her father was a law professor at the University of Oklahoma. In 1953, they moved to Ann Arbor where she graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1960. She briefly attended Albion College. Ann was married in 1963 and devoted her time to raising her two daughters. While raising her family, Ann was actively involved with the youth group at First Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo. Later, she developed a love for antique collecting and opened a booth, along with a dear friend, at the Galesburg Antique Mall. In the 1990's, after her daughters were grown, Ann worked at Gryphon Place and an advertising agency in downtown Kalamazoo. She loved the atmosphere of working downtown and often spent her lunchbreaks collecting beanie babies for her grandchildren. Ann possessed many natural talents. Throughout her lifetime she created dozens of counted cross-stitch pieces and needlepoints. She taught herself the art of basket weaving and quilting. After retirement Ann found great pleasure in gifting her family and friends with her beautiful creations. She found great enjoyment through gardening and her gardens were so meticulous that they often caught the eye of many passersby who stopped to admire their beauty. Ann's greatest pleasure was her grandchildren, who lovingly referred to her as Mimi. Words cannot describe her love for them. She never missed a school performance, a concert, or a recital. She knew each grandchild deeply, supporting and encouraging their unique passions. Ann also had two great-granddaughters whom she loved dearly. Ann is survived by her daughters, Katrina Steele (David) of South Lyon, MI, and Jennifer Barry (Dave) of Kalamazoo; grandchildren Brenna, Lydia, and Elyse Steele & Gabriella and Kyle (Lauren) Barry; great-granddaughters Malaya and Nyla Barry; sister Catherine B. Morris (Randy) of Kansas City, MO; and niece Jayna Ratliff (TJ) of Radford, VA. She is preceded in death by her parents and beloved brother, John O. Browder. A springtime memorial will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor where there will be an interment of her ashes in the garden next to her parents. Contributions may be offered to New Friends Memory Care & Assisted Living Community of Kalamazoo, MI. Avink Funeral Home