Anne Hausner

Madison - Anne Wilder Hausner passed away peacefully in Madison, Wisconsin, on a bright and sunny morning, March 17th, 2015 after a short illness. She was surrounded by family during her last weeks and enjoyed an especially happy evening visiting with her granddaughter, son, daughter, and daughter-in law laughing and sharing fond memories.

Anne was born May 21, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois. She attended New Trier High School In Winnetka, Illinois and graduated from Dana Hall boarding school in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Following boarding school, she spent four happy years at Smith College in Northampton MA, graduating in 1943. After graduation, Anne moved to New York City and shared an apartment on 5th Avenue with many college friends in Manhattan. After several years she returned to her hometown of Winnetka, Illinois where she met her future husband, Robert Hausner, a young architect, setting up practice in Chicago. They were married in Winnetka October 16, 1949. Anne and Bob built a lovely home in the Chicago suburb of Riverwoods in the early 1950s, doing much of the manual labor themselves. They remained in Riverwoods for 35 years before retiring to Santa Fe, New Mexico in the mid 1980s. In Santa Fe they enjoyed 20 happy years. Anne formed many close friendships during this time and remained in touch with these friends until the time of her death. In 2007 she relocated to an assisted living facility in Madison Wisconsin where she spent her remaining years near her son and his family.

Anne enjoyed the simple things in life. She appreciated the pleasures of a loving family, a good meal, a good book, watching birds outside her window, a nice sunset, and potted geraniums in a sunny window. She laughed easily and often, using her sense of humor to brighten each day for everyone around her. She was warm, kind, generous, accepting, and always interested in others.

Anne is survived by her children Nancy Abernathey of Jericho Vermont and Willy Hausner and his wife Katherine Knoepfler of Madison WI; and her grandchildren Ryan Abernathey and his wife Chiara Lepore of New York, New York, and Elizabeth Abernathey of Burlington VT. Anne was predeceased by her husband Robert in 2008.

Ann was a member of the congregation at St Bede's Episcopal Church in Santa Fe, NM and received pastoral care from Grace Episcopal in Madison, WI. The family will hold a memorial service and celebration of Anne's life on Saturday May 2 at 10:30am at All Saints Assisted Living in Madison Wisconsin.

The family wishes to thank Lynn at Grace Episcopal; and the staff at All Saints Assisted Living, especially Leila, Colleen, Ken and Heidi; and Lisa and Sister Georgeann of Home Health United Hospice. The love and concern they showed for Anne during her last weeks will forever be remembered.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Anne's name to Grace Episcopal Church, 116 W. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434
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www.cressfuneralservice.com