Ann Lee Hawley's Obituary
Ann Lee (Drey) Hawley, 86, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025, in Medina, Ohio. Born on January 24, 1939, in Burke, South Dakota, Ann had a life filled with love, laughter, and more than a bit of friendly competition.
Ann's life was a testament to the love she shared with her husband, Jake. Their 65-year marriage was a grand adventure, filled with travel that took them all over the world and to many states they called home, including Florida, Iowa, Ohio, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Embracing the unofficial family motto that "it's not about the money, it's about the memories," they made a life rich in experiences and love. Jake preceded her in death earlier this year.
Ann was beloved for her kind heart and selfless efforts. She had a special way of befriending anyone she met, and her unwavering compassion was a source of strength and comfort for all who knew her. Her dedication to children and community was evident early on: she taught in a one-room schoolhouse in South Dakota, opened her own nursery school in Nebraska, and was instrumental in helping many youngsters build a lifelong love for golf in Iowa.
A natural athlete, she loved and excelled at golf and tennis, and was known for her sense of style and grace even on the golf course. She also loved cards, from being a savvy bridge partner to enjoying a friendly game of gin. As a gifted host and entertainer, she loved to welcome friends and her husband's business associates into her home. Ann's faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she found immense purpose in serving as a lay minister most recently at St. John XXIII Catholic Church in Florida.
Above all, Ann cherished her family. She took immense pride in her four children, Janine (Dale), Todd (Marsha), Kurt (Janet), and Melissa (Michael). Her legacy continues through her nine grandchildren, Lauren (Max), Ryan, Erin, Morgan (Daniel), Emma, Mattie, Derek, Claire, and Grace, and her three great-grandchildren, Jack, Kalvin, and Griffin. Their family finds comfort knowing that the love they shared was endless, just as Jake would always sign his cards to her, "All my love."
A celebration of life to honor both Jake and Ann will be held in the summer of 2026 in South Dakota. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Burke Community Foundation (https://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org/local-impact/community-foundations/burke), reflecting Ann’s lifelong commitment to education and the communities where she grew up, met, and married Jake in 1959.
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