Ann L. Heath
Ann L. Heath died November 12 in Riberas del Pilar after a brief illness at the age of 71.
She was born February 3, 1945 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Fred Warren and Helen Simmers Heath, both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Heath loved adventure and after graduating from Baton Rouge High in 1963 promptly set out to see the world, traveling to New York, England, Greece, Egypt, Korea and Texas, before settling in North Carolina.
After receiving her Masters at Mid Tennessee State University, she worked as a social worker in Lafayette, Louisiana and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.
When her parents were in their declining years, Heath returned to Baton Rouge to care for them. After they passed away, she loaded up her Nissan with her three cats and what belongings would fit, and made her way to Ajijic, sight unseen! She quickly became enamored with Mexico’s beauty and the charm of its people, making this country her home for the past 16 years.
Like her father, Heath never met a stranger. Young or old, no matter the language differences, she could wing her way through any conversation using her warm smile and improvised gestures.
Always involved in a cause, Heath volunteered for many non-profits in the area, usually on behalf of children and animals. She helped to organize the English-language library at the Lake Chapala Society and a Spanish-language library in Chapala. She had a generous heart and a wonderful lively spirit. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.
Heath is survived by her brother David, his wife Julie, and her niece Kerry Heath, all of Texas.
Heath was laid to rest in her beloved adopted country. A celebration of her life is planned for Friday, December 23, 3 p.m. at the LCS gazebo. All are invited to attend and share their memories of her.