Ann Gage Farrell Gruppe died peacefully on July 1, 2023. She was 89. A 1952 graduate of Whitesboro High School and a 1956 graduate of University of Colorado at Boulder, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. When starting her career at Highland-Alameda County Hospital in Oakland, CA, she contracted tuberculosis. She moved to National Jewish Hospital in Colorado to quarantine and to participate in experimental treatments for tuberculosis.
She returned to Central New York to be closer to family and served as a public health nurse for Oneida and Madison Counties, the director of health services and instructor of nursing at Cazenovia College, a staff nurse at Crouse-Irving Memorial Hospital, a supervisor at Loretto Home Care Services and other positions. She was a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the Nursing Honorary Society.
Ann married Edwin Gruppe in December 1962 at the Hamilton College Chapel during a legendary Central New York blizzard. After spending a night at the Lincklaen House, she and Ned settled in Cazenovia in 1963 and raised three children.
They were active members of the First Presbyterian Church in Cazenovia. Ann served as an elder and deacon of the church and was the long time chair of the Flower Committee, where she shared her love of flowers by arranging grand masterpieces. In recent years, she enjoyed playing the bells.
Ann and Ned resided at Thousand Island Park during the summers and were all-summer residents in retirement. She was a faithful member of the choir at the Tabernacle services.
She enjoyed being on the water, picnicking, walking, reading, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. No matter where she was, she cooked, enjoyed great meals and hosted many dinner parties. Not only were her meals delicious, but her tables were creatively presented complete with nature-inspired centerpieces. Her recipes will be shared and enjoyed.
Ann is survived by her three children, Sarah (Robert) Marcotte of Lincoln, MA, James (Megan) Gruppe of Baldwinsville, and Martha (Patrick) Cunningham of Brighton, MI; six grandchildren, Alexandra, Nicholas and Grace Cunningham and Quinn, Brennan and Erin Gruppe; two brothers, Thomas (Nancy) Farrell of Newtown, PA and Gault (Phyllis) Farrell of Lebanon, NH; and nine nieces and five nephews, their spouses and children. She will be buried next to Ned in the Riverside Cemetery on Wellesley Island. Services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Thousand Island Park Tabernacle at 10:30 a.m. and on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Cazenovia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in her honor to CAVAC Ambulance, 106 Nelson Street, Cazenovia, NY 13035, cavacambulance.org/donate, Wellesley Island Volunteer Fire Department, 43859 Cross Island Road, Fineview, NY 13640, or the First Presbyterian Church of Cazenovia.
Ayer & Zimmer Funeral Home, Cazenovia had arrangements; 315-655-8101.
