MENDELL

ANN CATHARINE

Ann Catharine Mendell, age 87, of Gibsonia, PA, died on March 31, 2025. Beloved wife of 64 years of Donald P. Mendell. Loving mother of Sarah Gilmour (John), Tom Mendell, and Andrew Mendell. Sister of Jane Gregory and the late Martin Gregory. Dear grandmother of Gregory Gilmour and Eleanor Grutz.

Ann was born near Glasgow, Scotland on March 24th,1938 to parents Christopher and Marion Gregory. Her first memories were of frugal living in a country engaged in World War II. After the war, her family relocated to the countryside in the South of England. After her father was diagnosed with tuberculosis, she and her siblings were sent to boarding school for several years. She attended Felixstowe College for Girls where she made lifelong friendships and subsequently graduated from Berridge House in London. Her course of study was catering management, working for British telecom workers in London and a girls' school in NYC. In later years she adapted her skills to cooking out of her home kitchen for family and friends, as well as catering desserts for local restaurants.

Ann met Donald Mendell through a mutual friend while Don was working in London; two months later they became engaged. After travelling by sea to the United States, she was married on October 15,1960 in Saratoga Springs, NY. The following decades were filled with running a household and raising three children, whom she encouraged in a multitude of activities, from swimming and hockey to music and art. Fond family vacation memories include visits to family and friends in England and road trips to the outdoors to camp, hike, cross-country ski and canoe. Ann pulled up stakes and moved quite a few times over the decades within the United States and Canada: New York, Texas, Idaho, New Jersey, Illinois, Ontario, Alberta, Texas (again), ultimately retiring to Pennsylvania to be near her daughter's family.

Throughout it all, Ann kept an active interest in bringing people together with good cooking and fine desserts. She regularly attended church and enjoyed its fellowship. An accomplished quilter, her creations were prized by those fortunate enough to receive one.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service in Hampton Presbyterian Church, 2942 E. Hardies Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044 on Saturday April 12 at 10:30 am. Rev. Ryan Pixton, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hampton Presbyterian Church (www.hamptonpresbyterian.net), 90.5 WESA public radio (www.wesa.fm) or charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Arrangements by Schellhaas Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Ltd., Bakerstown, PA. www.schellhaasfh.com.