Ann Kalman

Ann was born in Elkhart, Indiana to Frank and Georgeanna (Laidlaw) Kalman. The oldest of five sisters, she spent her life as a public servant and instilled in her sisters the importance of making positive contributions to the community and advocating for those less fortunate.

Ann is survived by her sisters Kathleen Kalman, Eilleen Kalman (LaMonte Heflick), and Maureen (Dale) Donat, her most beloved nieces and nephews and their children, she was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary Thomas, and her brother John Gregory.

Ann matriculated through St. Vincent de Paul school, Elkhart High School and graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. Mary’s College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She earned her master’s from Indiana University South Bend. Ann Taught math at Pierre Moran Middle School in Elkhart where she formed lifelong friendships with many staff, students, and their families. Upon retirement from teaching, Ann worked at the Planning Department of the City of Elkhart.

Ann was very active in many groups working toward improving her community. She served as a City Councilwoman, was a member of the Elkhart Housing Partnership, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Redevelopment Commission, the Urban Enterprise Zone, the NAACP, the Lions Club, and the National Education Association at the local, state, and national levels. Ann was active politically and worked tirelessly on various campaigns and served as a delegate to her party’s conventions. Ann was recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest civilian honor in Indiana.

Nothing was more important to Ann than her family and she was determined to show her sisters the richness of this country and organized many trips to expand our experiences. She traveled the world, but her trips to Ireland were most cherished. Ann was a sports fan. Whether supporting her students or family members, she was in the bleachers as often as possible. She loved Notre Dame football, the New York Yankees, and the Chicago Bears and White Sox.

To know Ann was to know a brilliant, stubborn, gregarious, loving woman who could be a force to be reckoned with. She touched the lives of many, and it is hoped that her example will instill in all of us the importance of love of family, engagement in our communities, advocacy for those in need, and a belief that it is up to each of us to make the world a better place.

The family wishes to thank Ann’s entire medical team, most especially Dr. James Jin and his staff who for years have provided her with expert and compassionate care, and the staff at the Elkhart General Hospital Intensive Care Unit who supported both Ann and us through her final transition.

Visitation for Ann will be held on Monday, June 19th from 4 pm until 7 pm at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home.  There will be no funeral service at this time.

Memorial contributions in memory of Ann may be made to: Faith Mission 801 Benham Ave. Elkhart, IN 46516 or the Southern Poverty Law Center 403 Washington Ave. Montgomery, AL 36104.

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