Ann Elizabeth Stoddard

Ann Elizabeth Stoddard, a devoted wife, loving mother and proud grandmother passed away on October 27th. She was 85 and a resident of Fairfield for 56 years, before moving to Meadow Ridge in Redding, CT.

Ann was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 22, 1941, and was always proud of being a Hoosier. After moving to Bethlehem, PA, she attended Moravian Preparatory School, and Liberty High School. In her freshman year at Moravian College, Ann met the love of her life, Grove. In 1963 they graduated and were married at the Old Moravian Chapel (1741), where 31 years earlier, Ann’s parents were married.

She briefly taught in Bethlehem, PA, before Grove entered law school. Then Ann taught in the Carlisle, PA school district. As there were very few women in law school at the time, the law wives organized the “Femme Covert”, French for “hidden women”. It was here that Ann learned to play bridge, a game she played for the rest of her life. She loved the game and all of her many bridge friends. In addition to bridge, Ann enjoyed music, tennis, traveling, and reading, especially historical novels.

Ann and Grove loved their travels, 18 countries and many islands, but their favorite island was Nantucket. Beginning in 1967, they traveled to Nantucket every year, enjoying and sharing their home there for over 40 years.

Ann’s volunteer work included Bridgeport Hospital, Art Goes to School and the Bridgeport Food Pantry. In addition, she was on the boards of the Auxiliary of the Ahlbin Centers for Rehabilitation Medicine, Ludlowe PTA, Trinity Parish Nursery School, the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County and the Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival.

For 27 years she owned and loved running a gift shop in the Greenfield Hill section of Fairfield, called The Country Mouse. After selling her shop, Ann was one of the originators of the new Fairfield Museum gift shop, where she became the volunteer buyer and manager. Both jobs had the advantage of meeting so many wonderful people in the community. Ann belonged to the Fairfield Beach Club for 55 years, and to Trinity Episcopal Church for 60 years. Over the years at Trinity, she was a Sunday school teacher, usher, chalicist, youth sponsor and organist. In the 70’s she taught at the Trinity Parish Nursery School.

Ann was predeceased by her parents, the Rev. Stanley and Catherine Woltjen, her sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Jerry Sickel, and her sister-in-law Barbara Woltjen. Her brother John Woltjen survives her. She is also survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Grove, their loving and caring children, Becky Gottschalck (Kelly) of Fayette ME, Grove Stoddard of Bellingham, WA, and Adriel Betar (David) of Nantucket, MA, and two wonderful grandchildren, Cole and Anabelle whom she adored. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

A celebration of Ann’s life, a service and reception, will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 starting at 11AM ET at Trinity Episcopal Church, 651 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT. In lieu of flowers or gifts the family requests that all donations go to Trinity Episcopal Church.