Tassel, Ann Evans

Ann E. Van Tassell (Ann Elizabeth Evans), stepped into the light of eternal love on Monday, November 16, 2009, in Blacksburg, Va., after 15 years of surviving breast cancer.

Born in College Station, Texas, just in time for Thanksgiving, she spent most of her childhood in Rockville, Md., learning to love life and the beauty of the written word. Ann first went to Virginia Tech, and then transferred to the University of Florida, where she got her B.A in English and history. After working in the State Department Crisis Center for several years, she moved to Blacksburg in 1980 to spend the rest of her life with her beloved husband.

In the Blue Ridge Mountains that she loved so much, she spent almost 30 years perfecting her special blend of calligraphic art. Her works ranged from framed commissioned pieces on homemade paper, to personal favorites etched on brass and copper as jewelry and garden art. As a substitute art teacher, she was known by “her kids” as the awesome Ms. VT and her works have been shown and sold throughout the east coast at art fairs and trade shows. She also was a perennial favorite for decades at events such as the Blacksburg YMCA Arts and Crafts Show and Steppin’ Out.

Ann spent her 54+ years trying to give thanks for the good in her life. She had so many passions: her family, scribes from across the world, companion travelers on the cancer path and letters in every possible form, from beautiful calligraphy, to historical novels, to not-so-random doodles.

Preceding her into the light are her beloved parents, Benjamin H. Evans and Gwendolyn J. Evans; her sister, Sara Lynn Evans Marshall; and her mother in-law, Dema L. Van Tassell. She is survived by her husband, Roger; daughter, Jenica; son, Maxwell; and sister, Gail L. Evans.

Those wishing to show their support, please send a donation to the American Cancer Society. A memorial service is being planned and will be held on a future date.

The last message that Ann wanted to leave us all, is that, “The only things that count in life, are the imprints of love that we leave behind us after we have gone.” (Albert Schweitzer).

Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, Va.