Ann Carey Torczon's Obituary
Ann Carey Torczon, 76, passed away from pancreatic cancer Saturday, June 4, 2011 at her residence in Covington. She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Vernon James Torczon, a professor of Shakespeare, and the beloved mother of Laurel Torczon, Lindy Shepherd, Patrick Torcson, M.D. (wife Nancy), James Torczon and Joseph Torczon (wife Sharmila). Ann was a resident of Covington, La. for the past 25 years, having previously lived in New Orleans since 1963. She also is survived by her sisters Helen Krause of Fremont, Neb., and Mary Finney-Bergeron of New Orleans as well as five grandchildren (Janna Shepherd, Cara Shepherd, Annalise Torcson, Asha Torczon and Arjuna Torczon.)
Torczon was a native of the small Midwestern town Petersburg, Neb., where her family owned one of the few remaining independent telephone companies; she was raised at a hand-operated switchboard and always appreciated efficient communication. She attended Creighton University in Omaha and eventually earned a master’s degree in special education at the University of New Orleans, where she became a career educator until retirement in 1995. Ann specialized in adult literacy after spending several years teaching Vietnam veterans with learning disabilities. She pioneered the concept of “shared learning resources” for UNO, which enabled students to utilize tutors and lectures on taped recordings, which is now the industry norm. Ann was passionate about teaching both children and adults how to read and write and will be remembered by many for her patience and gift of literacy.
After retiring, Torczon volunteered for St. Tammany Parish Library, St. Tammany Literacy Assistance Program, the National Alliance on Mental Health St. Tammany, Hospice of St. Tammany and Ochsner Clinic-North Shore. She also was a founding member of the Magnolia Gardens/Bogue Glen Civic Association. Torczon was devoted to her family and friends, and loved working in her garden and traveling.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral service at the E.J. Fielding Funeral Home Inc., 2260 W. 21st Ave., Covington, LA 70433 at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 9, 2011. Visitation will be held from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday and at 9 a.m. until service time on Thursday. Interment will follow at the adjacent Pinecrest Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be sent to Hospice of St. Tammany, 1202 S. Tyler St., Covington, LA, 70433.
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