With a ready smile and an outgoing personality that lit up every room she entered, Ann Duryea Greenleese brought joy and warmth to the many lives she touched during her 88 years. As a proud member of Rosemont College’s Class of 1959, Ann exemplified the spirit of service, curiosity, and faith that defines a Rosemont education. She passed away on January 25, 2026, in Springfield, Virginia, after complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on August 5, 1937, in Amityville, New York, Ann arrived to the exuberant ringing of church bells. The bells served as an homage to her father who was the town’s longtime volunteer mayor. But it was also a fitting prelude to a life marked by optimism and connection. She often described her childhood as idyllic, filled with sailing adventures on the Great South Bay alongside her two beloved brothers and a close circle of friends. A devout Catholic, Ann chose Rosemont College to pursue her degree in education. Those formative years on campus deepened her commitment to teaching and community, values she carried with her throughout her life.

After Rosemont

After graduation, Ann set off for California with a childhood friend to teach—an adventurous and, at the time, quite rebellious move that awakened in her a lifelong wanderlust. She later returned to the East Coast, where she met Ron Greenleese through mutual friends. The couple married and settled in Waynewood, a welcoming community near the Mount Vernon estate in Northern Virginia. There they raised their three daughters and became active participants in parish and neighborhood life. When her children were grown, Ann returned to the classroom as an elementary school teacher, quickly becoming a favorite among students and colleagues alike for her patience, enthusiasm, and genuine care.

Ann’s passions were as vibrant as her personality. She tended beautiful gardens, read voraciously, and played tennis with gusto well into her eighties. A lifelong volunteer, she traveled widely and formed deep friendships with people from every walk of life. Always chatty and cheerful, she had a gift for making everyone around her feel truly special. In 2016, she and Ron moved to Greenspring retirement community, where they enjoyed their final years surrounded by both new and longtime friends.

Ann’s Family

Ann was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Ron, in 2018, as well as her brother Charles and brother in law William “Bill” Greenleese. She is survived by her brother Peter (Marcie), sisters in law Faith Duryea and Dale Beeby, daughters Katherine Greenleese, Nancy Greenleese (Luigi Fraboni), and Jane Sarman (Brian), and grandchildren Patrick, Daniel, and Claire Sarman and Leda Fraboni.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in February. We invite members of the Rosemont community and all who loved Ann to watch the recorded service on YouTube or in the player below.

Ann’s legacy of kindness, adventure, and devoted service will continue to inspire all who knew her. The Rosemont College community extends its deepest condolences to her family and friends, and we are grateful to celebrate the full and joyful life of this cherished alumna.

The Rosemont Experience

At Rosemont, we believe that no matter what discipline you study, effective communication and problem solving are cornerstones to success. That’s why students take classes across multiple disciplines—to learn to approach complex situations from multiple angles. We also recognize the importance of real world experience in preparing you for a career. In fact, every student engages in at least one internship, volunteer effort, or service learning opportunity.

In the Heart of Suburban Philadelphia's Iconic Main Line

• Beautiful 58 acre Main Line campus located in serene suburban Philadelphia.
• Current students have access to world class advanced degree programs through exclusive partnerships.
• Rooted in Catholicism we welcome all faiths and beliefs.
• Coveted 11:1 student to faculty ratio providing an unparalleled educational experience.
• An average class size of 13 ensures a high caliber, personalized education.