Ann Rowland (Needham) Young
July 10, 1936 – October 8, 2021
Resident of Sonoma, CA
Ann Rowland (Needham) Young, 85, of Sonoma, California, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family and beloved dogs, on October 8, 2021, after a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Mother, wife, teacher, artist, horse woman, gardener, nature lover, kind soul. Ann was born in Berkeley, California on July 10, 1936, to Aloyse (Goelitz) and Ernest Rowland. She was preceded in death by her daughter Claire Ann Needham and her husband William Shorb Needham.
Ann spent an adventurous childhood with her family in Walnut Creek, California, and attended elementary school there and Acalanes High School in Lafayette, California maintaining strong friendships with many of her classmates throughout her lifetime. She graduated from Holy Names College in 1958, where she studied Art and Education, starting her inspired teaching career in Walnut Creek. After relocating her family to Sonoma in 1977, she spent the next 42 years teaching at St. Francis Solano School and The Presentation School, both as a full-time teacher and later a popular substitute teacher. She was cherished for her ability to substitute in any grade and all subject matters with finesse and humor. Throughout the last ten years, she volunteered with 4 Paws Therapy Dogs with her Golden Retriever Bella at Dunbar School, Valley of the Moon Children’s Home and Prestwood Elementary School. Ann and Bella served as a team, supporting children and adults in their education and time of need.
Her passion for horses began with her family rides on Mt. Diablo on a Welsh pony named Bonnie who taught her no matter how many times she was bucked off she would always get back on. Throughout her life she pursued her passion for riding on Morgan horses with her family in the Sonoma hills and along the bluffs of Point Reyes. She supported her daughters in their many years of raising and showing their Morgan horses. Ann spent over 78 years riding the trails of the East Bay and Sonoma with her family and friends. Animals of all kinds were an integral part of Ann’s life, including 9 loyal Golden Retrievers over the years.
A member of the St. Francis Solano Catholic Parish, Ann had a deep faith and enjoyed spending time with her church community making many friends during the years including time spent teaching CCD classes. She also was a fierce competitor in the Sonoma Bocce League Sunday team, a long-time member of the Wildflower’s Garden Club, Diamond A Trail Restoration Team, Sonoma Garden Park, Bouverie Audubon Preserve Docent, Sonoma Valley Republican Women’s Federated Board Member and was a patriotic American to the core.
From an early age she was an accomplished artist and continued her beloved watercolor painting throughout her life. She wrote and illustrated a children’s book and her watercolors grace the walls of many homes across the U.S. She was active in the Valley of the Moon Art Association, Chantarelle and Visions Art Clubs, exhibiting works capturing Sonoma Valley daily life and landscapes.
Ann is survived by her husband of 22 years, Roger Jack Young, children Edward Needham (Christina) and Nancy Needham Simpson (David), sister Mimi (Rowland) Graves, Herman Rowland, Sr., sister-in-law Barbara (Needham) Dillard, the “Cousins”, grandchildren, Cody (Lacey), Kelsey (Justin), Kendall (Hunter) and Cassidy (Raziel), great grandchildren Kennadi, Atlas, Everett, Tate and the anticipated arrival of Brixton, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Ann radiated beauty, kindness, intelligence, compassion and was an example to all who knew her in the way she lived her life and the way she left this earth with strength and grace. She inspired generations of family and friends to be inspired by nature, learn by example and above all, remain optimistic for the future. Ann was an unforgettable friend to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 11:30 am at St. Francis Solano Catholic Church, 469 Third Street West, Sonoma, California followed by a Celebration of Life at Seven Branches Inn (Ramekins Culinary School) 450 West Spain Street, Sonoma.
The family wishes to thank Collabria Care Hospice at Queen of the Valley Hospital and the compassionate support of those who helped Ann in her journey. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Saint Francis Solano School Parish Tuition Assistance Fund or the Sonoma Garden Park in memory of Ann.
July 10, 1936 – October 8, 2021
Resident of Sonoma, CA
Ann Rowland (Needham) Young, 85, of Sonoma, California, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family and beloved dogs, on October 8, 2021, after a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Mother, wife, teacher, artist, horse woman, gardener, nature lover, kind soul. Ann was born in Berkeley, California on July 10, 1936, to Aloyse (Goelitz) and Ernest Rowland. She was preceded in death by her daughter Claire Ann Needham and her husband William Shorb Needham.
Ann spent an adventurous childhood with her family in Walnut Creek, California, and attended elementary school there and Acalanes High School in Lafayette, California maintaining strong friendships with many of her classmates throughout her lifetime. She graduated from Holy Names College in 1958, where she studied Art and Education, starting her inspired teaching career in Walnut Creek. After relocating her family to Sonoma in 1977, she spent the next 42 years teaching at St. Francis Solano School and The Presentation School, both as a full-time teacher and later a popular substitute teacher. She was cherished for her ability to substitute in any grade and all subject matters with finesse and humor. Throughout the last ten years, she volunteered with 4 Paws Therapy Dogs with her Golden Retriever Bella at Dunbar School, Valley of the Moon Children’s Home and Prestwood Elementary School. Ann and Bella served as a team, supporting children and adults in their education and time of need.
Her passion for horses began with her family rides on Mt. Diablo on a Welsh pony named Bonnie who taught her no matter how many times she was bucked off she would always get back on. Throughout her life she pursued her passion for riding on Morgan horses with her family in the Sonoma hills and along the bluffs of Point Reyes. She supported her daughters in their many years of raising and showing their Morgan horses. Ann spent over 78 years riding the trails of the East Bay and Sonoma with her family and friends. Animals of all kinds were an integral part of Ann’s life, including 9 loyal Golden Retrievers over the years.
A member of the St. Francis Solano Catholic Parish, Ann had a deep faith and enjoyed spending time with her church community making many friends during the years including time spent teaching CCD classes. She also was a fierce competitor in the Sonoma Bocce League Sunday team, a long-time member of the Wildflower’s Garden Club, Diamond A Trail Restoration Team, Sonoma Garden Park, Bouverie Audubon Preserve Docent, Sonoma Valley Republican Women’s Federated Board Member and was a patriotic American to the core.
From an early age she was an accomplished artist and continued her beloved watercolor painting throughout her life. She wrote and illustrated a children’s book and her watercolors grace the walls of many homes across the U.S. She was active in the Valley of the Moon Art Association, Chantarelle and Visions Art Clubs, exhibiting works capturing Sonoma Valley daily life and landscapes.
Ann is survived by her husband of 22 years, Roger Jack Young, children Edward Needham (Christina) and Nancy Needham Simpson (David), sister Mimi (Rowland) Graves, Herman Rowland, Sr., sister-in-law Barbara (Needham) Dillard, the “Cousins”, grandchildren, Cody (Lacey), Kelsey (Justin), Kendall (Hunter) and Cassidy (Raziel), great grandchildren Kennadi, Atlas, Everett, Tate and the anticipated arrival of Brixton, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Ann radiated beauty, kindness, intelligence, compassion and was an example to all who knew her in the way she lived her life and the way she left this earth with strength and grace. She inspired generations of family and friends to be inspired by nature, learn by example and above all, remain optimistic for the future. Ann was an unforgettable friend to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 11:30 am at St. Francis Solano Catholic Church, 469 Third Street West, Sonoma, California followed by a Celebration of Life at Seven Branches Inn (Ramekins Culinary School) 450 West Spain Street, Sonoma.
The family wishes to thank Collabria Care Hospice at Queen of the Valley Hospital and the compassionate support of those who helped Ann in her journey. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Saint Francis Solano School Parish Tuition Assistance Fund or the Sonoma Garden Park in memory of Ann.
View the online memorial for Ann Rowland (Needham) Young
Published by East Bay Times on Oct. 17, 2021.
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