CANAAN — It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ann Beizer, who died on Nov. 13, 2024, at the age of 80 after a courageous battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare and debilitating disease that took away her ability to move, see clearly, and swallow. Ann’s strength and resilience throughout her illness was an inspiration to all who knew her, even as the disease took its toll.
Born on Sept. 12, 1944, in Washington, DC, Ann was raised in Glasgow, West Virginia, where both of her parents were school teachers. She earned a Master’s degree in counseling from West Virginia University and went on to teach high school history. Later, she led a not-for-profit organization before becoming the Director of Academic Advising at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). At WPI, Ann also served as a Project Advisor, guiding students on international work projects in Italy and Puerto Rico. Her commitment to education and mentorship earned her a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to Germany, further advancing her career in academic advising.
Ann’s life was marked by an unwavering dedication to helping others. She retired from WPI to care for her then-husband, Robert Gillette, during his battle with cancer. After Robert’s passing in 2005, Ann met and subsequently married Lance Beizer. Ann and Lance lived in California for one year before relocating to Lance’s childhood hometown of Canaan. In their new community, Ann quickly became an active leader, joining the 21st-Century Fund of the Housatonic Valley Regional High School, where she was awarded emerita status. She also contributed to the Salisbury Rotary Club, serving as scholarship chair and president, and was deeply involved with St. John’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury, where she served on the altar guild and vestry, as well as an acolyte and chalice bearer. With Lance, Ann was recipient of the 2022 Donald T. Warner award for service to the communities served by Region 1 schools.
Ann is survived by her loving husband, Lance Beizer; her son, Mike Garvin (children Andrew and Leah), and his wife, Mary Amirault (children Sean and Matt); her daughter, Elizabeth Houlihan (children Craig, Evan, and Lauren) and Elizabeth’s fiancé, John Aherne.
The family extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who supported Ann and Lance throughout the course of her illness, including the dedicated staff from Salisbury Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA), Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County, and Geer Nursing, where Ann spent her final months in hospice care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ann’s memory to the Salisbury Visiting Nurse Association, Geer Nursing, or CurePSP, an organization dedicated to research into potential treatments for progressive supranuclear palsy.
Ann’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and intellectual curiosity will live on in the countless lives she touched.
A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Dec. 21, 2024, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 12 Main Street, Salisbury, CT with Rev. Paul “Chris” Christopherson officiating. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home, 118 Main Street, Canaan, CT 06018.
