Ann Wescott

Ann Wescott passed away peacefully at home in Blue Mounds on May 1st after a courageous battle against cancer. She maintained her vibrant, tenacious, joyful spirit right up to the end.

She is survived by her husband of 32 years Joe, her siblings Mark, Matthew John and Susan and mother Virginia and a host of loving friends and other relatives. Plus her sweet kitty, Lulabelle.

Ann was born in Green Bay (Go Pack Go!) and graduated from Bayport HS and earned a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Education from UW Madison. She began her career teaching middle school science while working summers at Olbrich Gardens.

Ann parlayed those early experiences into a 27-year career as Co-General Manager at Cave of the Mounds. Her hard work and dedication earned her the unfailing respect of her co-workers and colleagues. She was a passionate champion of science education and was active in local, statewide, national and international education, tourism and cave conservation organizations. Perhaps more than anything, she was an amazing gardener, transforming and expanding the Cave of the Mounds gardens to their current splendor. She was a true steward of the environment, focused especially on native prairie and savannah ecosystems. She planted and nurtured many acres of prairie and savannah, and literally millions of seeds. Ann expanded that impact with plant interpretation programming, and by creating prairie and pollinator seed kits for visitors.

Ann was a voracious and adventurous traveler, with camping and road trips to 48 US states and backpacking and other trips to 40 foreign countries.

Ann had many hobbies, creating wonderful crafty artworks and was an avid knitter. And, she loved her Packers - this is their year!

Ann left us too soon being only 63 years old, and she leaves a huge hole in the lives of the many who loved her.

There will be a celebration of Ann's life for friends and family later this summer. In lieu of flowers, she would have preferred a donation to the UW Carbone Cancer Center or the American Cancer Society.