Ann Marie (Ermiger) Burleigh, 77, of Mystic passed away on February 26, 2018 at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital following an 8-month battle with various health issues. Ann was born February 22, 1941 in Detroit, MI to Margaret (Collins) Ermiger and Robert Ermiger. She graduated from Dominican High School in Detroit, MI in 1959, Sienna Heights College in Adrian, MI in1963 and married the love of her life, Carl Burleigh, the following year.
After raising her children, Ann became a substitute elementary school teacher for Groton Public Schools. She went on to earn her Masters of Education at Connecticut College and continued her teaching career as a dedicated classroom teacher at Claude Chester Elementary School until her retirement in 2003. Ann was always ready to volunteer her time and talent, whether it was helping a Cub Scout troop, stepping up to be Team Mother and board member for the MCYFL, serving as a Literacy Volunteer, teaching CCD, or knitting prayer shawls for newly baptized babies at St. Mary's. More than anything, Ann will be remembered for her devotion to her husband of 53 years, children and grandchildren. She led by example and instilled a love of nature, science and reading in her grandchildren.
Ann was predeceased by her parents, her son, David Burleigh (Wendy), and foster son, Michael Stanley. In addition to her loving husband Carl, Ann is survived by her three children: daughter, Christina Gardner (Roger) of Appleton, NY; son Michael Burleigh (Tracy) of Mystic; and daughter Jeanette Connole (Bryan) of West Hartford. Ann will be missed terribly by her grandchildren: James Rutzen, Courtney Cloutier, Roger Gardner, Jr., Corinne Gardner, Renee Schmidt, TJ Schneider, Benjamin Connole, Matthew Connole, Donovan Connole and Olivia Burleigh. Ann also leaves her brother J. Michael Ermiger, brother Thomas Ermiger and sister Mary Marx - all of Michigan, as well as several great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 3, at 11:00am at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Point Road, Groton CT 06340. There are no calling hours and burial will be private for the family at a later date.
The family would like to thank all of the staff at L&M who saw to it that Ann received excellent care. Donations in her memory may be made to the Lawrence and Memorial Hospital Development Fund, c/o The Development Office, 365 Montauk Avenue, New London CT 06320.
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