Obituary of Ann Lisbeth Ehrsam
Ann L. Ehrsam, of Channahon, Illinois, passed away peacefully at the age of 77, on January 18, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family.
Ann was born June 8, 1947, in Auburn, New York to the late Russell and Mary (Picarro) Bannister. She spent the majority of her younger years traveling the world due to her father’s government assignments. As a teenager, her family relocated to Joliet from Japan. While a student at St. Francis Academy, Ann met her future husband, Don, a Hilltopper from Joliet Catholic High, who was enamored with Ann and has been ever since. The couple exchanged vows on September 16, 1967, at St. Ambrose Chapel in Crest Hill. They went on to build a beautiful family consisting of four children, nine grandchildren, and several grand pups.
Ann was a talented and passionate homemaker, known for her exceptional cooking and generous spirit. Her kitchen was a haven where friends and family gathered to enjoy her mouthwatering creations, and she always took pleasure in sharing her passion with others. Ann filled the walls of her home with her collections of vintage treasures, each with a story to tell. She and Don worked side by side to create beautiful custom pieces of furniture - Don was in the woodshop following his bride's specs for the project, while Ann put her special finishing touches on the pieces. In between projects, Ann and Don could be found in Siesta Key, Florida with margaritas in their hands, soaking up the sunsets on the beach. Ann’s heart was always fullest when surrounded by her grandkids, and they sure loved their Grammie Ann. She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her for her beautiful smile, her warm heart, and her immeasurable love for others.
Ann left behind a family who loved and cared for her deeply. She is survived by Don, her devoted husband of over 57 years; her sons, Chris (Vicki) Ehrsam and Matt (Sarah) Ehrsam; daughters, Amy (Mike) North and Alyssa (Scott) Skrycki; grandchildren, Sydney and Sophie Ehrsam, Dan, Emma and John Ehrsam, Jaedon and Annabel North, Carter and Hudson Skrycki. Ann is also survived by her brother, Stephen Bannister; brother-in-law, Rick (Sue) Ehrsam, and countless loving family members and cherished friends.
Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Mary; Don's parents, Herbert and Mary Ehrsam; her sister-in-law, Judith Bannister, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.
Ann’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff who cared for her over the years. Your support and friendship have made a difference in her life and the lives of those who loved her.
Visitation will be held at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd (at Essington Rd), Joliet, on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 2 – 5 p.m., with an opportunity to share memories of Ann at 4:30 p.m.
Funeral services will begin Monday, January 27, 2025, at 9 am, at the funeral home to the Cathedral of St. Raymond where Ann’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park will proceed Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ann’s name can be made to Lightways Hospice of Joliet.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
