Ann O'Donnell Bury Obituary (1968 - 2022)

It is with great sadness that we announce our beautiful Ann has lost her nearly eight year battle with ovarian cancer. She never gave up the fight, pursuing treatment to the very end. Ann was born in Seattle, Washington, on October 20,1968. At the age of fifteen months, Ann left for Europe with her free-spirited parents. What was supposed to be a year's worth of temporary jobs and travel, became nearly nine years, living in Germany and Turkey. Zwiebrucken, Germany, was her first home. Ann attended Kinderschule and later Zwiebrucken Elementary (DODSEUR) from kindergarten to second grade. She made her first trip to the countryside of France at 15 months, the beginning of her many trips throughout Europe over the next five years. When Ann was six years old, she traveled from Germany to Turkey with her newborn sister and parents in their VW camper. Along the way, Ann managed to charm armed guards and border patrols with a smile and a word of caution that her baby sister Kate was sleeping in the back of the van. Ann was the "ticket" for the best hotels and restaurants along the way. Everyone fell in love with the little blond girl in pigtails. Perhaps some of Ann's fondest childhood memories were made in Karamursel, Turkey. Living in a summer village on the shores of the Sea of Marmara, Ann made young and old Turkish friends. She loved playing on the beach, eating a typical Turkish breakfast with neighbors from Ankara, plucking fresh fruit from trees and sitting in her favorite gazebo, picking sunflower seeds for roasting. She loved the freedom of hopping on her bicycle, playing with friends and taking trips to Istanbul and other Turkish locations. During her years in Turkey, Ann traveled to and from Athens, Greece, several times, climbing the hills of the Parthenon and gazing in wonder and awe at the size and beauty of the structure. Upon returning to Seattle in 1978, Ann and her family moved to Capitol Hill. Following in the footsteps of her father, she attended St. Joseph's Elementary School and Seattle Preparatory. She enjoyed her four years at Prep, making close friends and participating in Girls' State and other activities. Ann attended Gonzaga University, graduating in 1986 with a dual degree in Communication and Journalism. Those four years also produced deep and enduring friendships. After graduating from college, Ann returned to Seattle and worked for Holland America. Again, she continued her love of travel--this time on cruise ships, with memorable trips to Alaska and the Caribbean. In 1990, Ann moved to Washington DC for five years, working for the Daniel R. Thompson law firm and enjoying new friends and more adventures. During that time, she also took several trips back to France, Italy and Ireland. Upon returning to Seattle, Ann began working at the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Through friends, Ann met her husband Gregg, and married in 2000. Along with her many achievements, Ann then began her new role as wife and eventually mother. Ann and Gregg raised their daughters, Eilis and Erin, in West Seattle, becoming entrenched in the West Seattle community and making numerous dear friends. Eventually, Ann began working at Seattle Public Schools. She continued to work through treatments, but eventually had to leave as they became more rigorous and often. Over the last number of years, Ann focused on her family and continued to be a fully involved wife and mom. Undaunted by her illness, Ann's love of travel and adventure continued. She enjoyed hiking, bicycling and discovering new places. Her last great adventure was a trip to Iceland in 2018 with her mom and sister. She relished every moment and was so taken with the beautiful Icelandic landscape. Ann had a deep affection for animals, especially those that needed a home. The three family cats were all rescues who provided her with great comfort and entertainment to the very end. Ann leaves behind her amazing husband and caregiver, Gregg, and two of the most wonderful daughters in the world: Eilis (22) and Erin (15). Her family provided her with tremendous joy and love. She is survived by her parents, Terri O'Donnell (Olympia) and Dan O'Donnell (Tacoma), her sister, Kate O'Donnell, her nieces, Ruby and Matilda and her ex brother-in- law, Zach Osborn (Olympia). She is also survived by her extended families of Burys (Wenatchee), Palmers, Pearsons (Seattle area) and Poseys (Portland, Oregon). Her aunts, uncles and cousins have enriched Ann's life immeasurably over the years. Both maternal and paternal grandparents preceded her in death. Ann has chosen not to have a service at this time. There will be a celebration of life for family and friends in the late spring. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Powell-Drescher Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation or PAWS in Ann's name. A special thanks to UW Medicine for their care and support. "Night, night, Froggy"...Denmark, 1971