Ann Louise Chan

Ann Louise Kirby Chan, age 86, of Woodbridge, Virginia peacefully passed away after a brief illness, on October 22, 2023 at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, with family by her side. Ann was born in Hopewell, Virginia on August 11, 1937, graduated from Hopewell High School and went to Richmond Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University) where she earned a BS in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career in Fairfax County, Virginia where she taught four years before moving to Idar-Oberstein, Germany where she taught on the Army base, later moving to Weisbaden, Germany where she taught on the Air Force base. It was while teaching in Weisbaden that she met fellow teacher and the love of her life, Duke, and they married on September 3, 1965. Both were avid travelers and together they enjoyed exploring Europe before returning to the United States. In her lifetime, Ann has visited many countries including Aruba, China, Egypt, England, Ireland, Israel, and Rome. After settling in Exton, Pennsylvania they welcomed into their lives their daughter, Mara, their greatest joy. Ann stayed home with Mara for several years before embarking on her second career working in the accounts payable department at Weston Solutions, Inc. in West Chester, Pennsylvania before retiring to take care of her husband, Duke, who lived with Parkinson’s Disease. Ann and Duke enjoyed their retirement together participating in Dance for Parkinson’s, Silver Sneakers and the local camera club. After the death of her husband, Ann moved from Pennsylvania to Woodbridge, Virginia to live with her daughter and family and to be nearer to her extended family. Paramount in Ann’s life was her faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ann had been active in the church for many years as a member and in the leadership as an Elder at Lionville Community Methodist Church in Pennsylvania. It was her faith that sustained her through the loss of her husband and recent struggles with her own health. She always had a positive “glass half full” attitude which has proven to be an inspiration to those around her. She is loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Robert J. Kirby and Louise L. Kirby, and her beloved husband of 50 years, Du-Can (“Duke”) Chan. She is survived by her daughter, Mara Chan Clyburn and husband, John, two granddaughters, Jade and Scarlett Clyburn, sisters, Kay Kirby Davis and Janet Kirby Wall (Charles), nephews Shawn Wall (Katie) and Adam Davis (Rachel), niece Lauren Wall Cook (Brian), great nieces and great nephew, and cousins whom she loved and held close to her heart. Flowers for the funeral service or contributions to a charity of your choice are both welcome. Relatives and friends may be received for viewing at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Dr. Alexandria, VA 22315 on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 3-4PM. Funeral service will be immediately following at 4PM.

Tributes

Ann Louise Chan

August 11, 1937 - October 22, 2023