Ann Marie DeBruin

Ann Marie Ropella De Bruin, 53, of Appleton, died unexpectedly on Friday, January 15, 2010 at her home. Ann was born on October 10, 1956 in Appleton to Dennis and Nancy Ropella of Menasha. Ann grew up in Menasha and attended Clovis Grove Elementary and Butte des Morts Junior High School. She graduated from Menasha High School in 1974. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in English Education from Lawrence University in 1978 and later attained a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Ann began her teaching career at Stockbridge High School, then taught at Wrightstown High School, followed by Wilson Middle School and then taught for the past ten years at Appleton West High School and the Renaissance School for the Arts. Ann was proud to note that her teaching career had spanned five different decades.

Ann married David Lawrence De Bruin on October 31, 1984. Their daughter, Sarah Jean, was born on September 25, 1984, followed by their son, Charles Dennis, on November 29, 1985.

Ann was a dedicated teacher who cared for her students as if they were her own children. She welcomed everyone into her class with open arms. From Poe to punk rock, Ann was an innovative educator who inspired her students to become life-long learners and to pursue higher education.

Ann loved her family. She tirelessly supported her children's pursuits: coaching Charles' T-Ball team, sewing Sarah's skating costumes, attending every play and concert for both children, and coaching their Odyssey of the Mind team for twelve years that included three trips to the World Finals. She was a loving sister, aunt and daughter who created many amazing birthday cakes, beautiful needlework, and elaborate holiday celebrations. An avid swimmer, Ann swam at the cottage with four generations of family and, until her recent illness, swam two miles a day at Gold's Gym. She also gave a loving home to many cats, earning the nickname, “Crazy Cat Lady.”

Ann loved reading, cooking, sewing, music, movies and travel. Ann traveled to 48 of the 50 states and seven Canadian Provinces as well as the United Kingdom. She was an unwavering fan of the Chicago Cubs and a die-hard Bruce Springsteen fan. Never missing a Springsteen tour, Ann achieved her goal of attending 50 concerts by the age of 50. Ann loved to drive her red Mustang convertible to Springsteen concerts all over the country, proudly displaying vanity plates that read “BRUUUCE.”

Ann is survived by her husband, David of Appleton; her children, Sarah of Los Angeles and Charles of Neenah; her step-sons, Andy of Stevens Point and Troy (Lisa) of Kaukauna; her mother, Nancy Ropella Spindler of Neenah; her brother, Mark Ropella of Menasha, and many loving nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Ann is preceded in death by her father, Dennis Ropella, and her brother, Tom Ropella.

The Celebration of Ann's Life will be held at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at the Appleton West High School Auditorium, 610 N. Badger Avenue, Appleton. The family will receive friends at the High School on Wednesday from 3:30 pm until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials for a scholarship in Ann's memory are appreciated.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920)739-1231