On Sunday, August 30th, surrounded by family, Ann S. Brittain was unexpectedly called to her new position above. She was told that her work here on earth was done for the time being. Ann worked in Regional School District 15 at Gainfield Elementary for 37 years before retiring in 2013. She was the school psychologist on the Special Education team and also volunteered with Youth and Family Services for Southbury and Middlebury.
Ann was born on April 22, 1950 in Chicago, Il and grew up in Bethlehem, PA where she attended Ellis School and later Shipley School. Upon graduating from Shipley in 1968, Ann went on to attend Monmouth College in Monmouth, Il where she was a Phi Beta Phi and earned her B.A. in Psychology. This is also the place where she met David M. Brittain, the man who became her best friend her first day of freshman year and later in 1972 her husband of 43 years. The couple moved to Connecticut in 1973 where Ann earned her Master's Degree in School Psychology from Fairfield University. The couple eventually settled in Middlebury, CT in 1978 and began a family in 1986 with the birth of their only child, Elizabeth (Libby) Ann Brittain.
Ann was an avid collector of jewelry and stained glass. She enjoyed going to the movies every Saturday night and cruising around town in her BMW, blasting music from the latest pop artist or the most recent rock and roll mix cd from her daughter. There wasn't a genre of music that couldn't get Ann to sing along.
Although she was notorious for over packing and missing planes, Ann loved traveling. Her most favorite places were Australia, the British Virgin Islands, Hilton Head, Florida, and California. In addition to globe trot, Ann enjoyed snorkeling, scuba diving, and going to the beach. It is safe to to say, she was a mermaid at heart. In the autumn months, Ann could often be found going on walks at Flanders with her husband and their five rescue Chihuahuas.
Perhaps her most favorite pastime of all was spending time with her daughter, Libby. A mother-daughter team unlike any other, these two were best friends; often finishing one another's sentences. Be it getting their hair done together or bonding at the annual Dooney & Bourke Tent Sale in December, these two were always together.
As a person of great warmth and compassion, Ann was loved by family, friends, and colleagues alike. No matter where she went there was always sure to be laughter and good conversation had by all. Ann truly knew the impact the smallest act of kindness could have on another person and lead her life as such. She spent her life in service to the children of her community and we know that Ann will continue to do so in her afterlife.
Ann S. Brittain was preceded in death by her father, William Johnston Stephens, and Elizabeth Ann Kift Stephens, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. She is survived by her husband David M. Brittain of Middlebury, Connecticut, her daughter Elizabeth (Libby) Ann Brittain of Los Angeles, California, and her brothers William K. Stephens (Madelyn) of Charleston, South Carolina and Peter J. Stephens of Orlando, Florida. In addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends from Region 15 and the Harold Leever Cancer Center Ann leaves behind her five beloved rescue dogs; Tiny, Lobo, Coqui, Mr.T, and Blanca as well as three grand doggies; Maybelline, Rupert, and Sooka. And last but not least her rescue cat whom she affectionately referred to as being, 'the most wonderful kitty in the world,' Chester.

Memorials: In honor of Ann's love of animals and community donations in her name may be sent to Friends of Middlebury Dog Park-Ion bank Middlebury.

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Services: Services were held in Southbury, CT on Friday September 18, 2015.