In Memoriam | Ann Hunnewell (1935–2025)

Ann Hunnewell at her 90th birthday celebration, March 2025 (Photo courtesy of her daughter, Elizabeth)

Ann Harris Hunnewell was born in 1935 in Michigan, the daughter of a miller. Even as a young girl, she showed the curiosity and intelligence that would define her life, never afraid to ask questions, even when it got her into trouble.

By Jim Bys

Her stories of growing up, helping her father with dangerous tasks in the mill, and getting “kicked out of so many churches” for asking too many questions, always ended with her signature, delightful giggle

Ann met her husband, John, while working in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They shared a long and joyful life together, eventually moving to Pasadena in 1972, where they enrolled their daughter in the Pasadena Unified School District during the time of court-ordered school busing. After John retired in the 1990s, they moved to Monrovia, where they remained until John’s passing in 2019.

Following his death, Ann moved into a retirement home, but stayed active, especially with her passion for words. A gifted proofreader and copy editor, Ann contributed her sharp eye and deep curiosity to the Colorado Boulevard newspaper and several authors. She had an uncanny ability to catch errors, even in the books she read for her beloved Throop Book Club.

It was through this club that many came to know Ann. Though she first attended only to bring John, she soon became a full participant, bringing not just her editorial precision but also her warmth and insight to every discussion. Her enthusiasm for literature was matched by her joy in sharing stories, especially those of her life with John. One friend fondly recalled hearing her speak about their adventures with such delight that it felt as though they had just married, only to learn they were celebrating 50 years together.

Ann was also a member of ACT (where she edited the newsletter) and the League of Women Voters of Pasadena Area. She had a generous spirit and a talent for making people feel welcome, especially when hosting book club gatherings and Christmas parties at her home. Her culinary skills were as memorable as her proofreading: guests still remember her sauerbraten, Moroccan stew, and fresh lemonade from her own lemon tree.

Ann was also deeply creative with her hands. When she began to lose her hair from chemotherapy, she crocheted two hats for herself, both beautiful and practical. She crafted a full bedspread using huck stitching, a Swedish style of embroidery, designing various patterns in shades of blue. Her talent with needle crafts shone in every piece she made, and true to form, she always finished what she started.

Ann enriched every conversation with her well-researched insights, often looking up references or historical context to share with others. She brought light, laughter, and knowledge into the lives of those around her.

Ann is survived by her daughter and two granddaughters. We will miss her wisdom, her stories, her warmth, and most of all, that delightful giggle.

Memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.

Jim Bys leads the Book Club at Throop Church. Cecile Bys and Wafic Khalil contributed to this article.