Ann Houseman

Dr. Ann Lord Houseman, our beloved mother, passed away at her home in Cokesbury Village on November 6, 2026, at the age of 90. She lived a full and meaningful life, one marked by a love of learning, a commitment to her community, a spirit of adventure, and, most importantly, devotion to her family.

Born in New Orleans, LA, on March 21, 1936, Ann spent her childhood moving between the United States and Germany due to her father’s military assignments. She eventually returned from Germany and graduated from high school in Fort Hamilton, NY. Her academic interests led her to Barnard College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree.  Ann then furthered her education by earning a master’s degree from Columbia University and a PhD from the University of Delaware.

Education and public service were important parts of Ann’s life and career. She began as a reading specialist for the State of Delaware and later served as principal of Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. She went on to become executive director of the Delaware Arts Council and acting director of the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs for the State of Delaware. In 1984, she returned to education as an elementary school principal at P.S. duPont middle school until her retirement in 1991. She was a member of the professional educational organization Phi Delta Kappa and was recognized as a noteworthy educational administrator by Marquis Who’s Who.

Ann also believed in giving back to her community and was involved in many local organizations throughout her life. She served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including OperaDelaware, the Delaware Theatre Company, and the Auxiliary of Nemours Children’s Hospital. She also served on the advisory board of Rockwood Museum and enjoyed giving tours of the Nemours Mansion. Her interest in education, the arts, and history was reflected in the many ways she shared her time and talents with others.

Ann was married to Evan Kenny Houseman for 60 years, until his passing in 2021. Together, they shared a wonderful life and a love of travel. Family vacations took them to national parks, Walt Disney World, Alaska, and Bermuda. After retirement, they continued to explore the world, visiting many European countries, as well as China, Russia, Egypt, South America, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. They raised their family in Wilmington, Delaware, before moving to Cokesbury Village in 2003. These travels and experiences created many special memories for them and our family.

Above all, Ann was a devoted mother and grandmother. She leaves behind her three daughters; Adrienne (Karl) Kalbacher, Jeannette (Jon) Roberts, and Yvonne (Derek) Studer, six grandchildren; Charles Evan (Jackie) Kalbacher, Marguerite Kalbacher, Chase (Eve) Roberts, Meredith Roberts, Hadley Studer, and Bennett Studer, her sister-in-law; Jane Beckwith; a niece and two nephews; and a great-grandchild, Rose Roberts, with another on the way. Our family will carry forward the memories of the time spent together, the places we explored, and the many ways she enriched our lives. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.