Ann Cleeland's Obituary
Ann Lenore Cleeland (nee Nester), baptized in the hope of Christ’s Resurrection on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the age of 82.
Ann was born on February 21, 1943, in Abilene, Texas, to the late Dr. Charles Adolphus Nester, Sr. and Anna Virginia Schneiderhahn. She was preceded in death by siblings: Dr. Charles Nester, Jr. and Laura Lee Baca; and step-father Leonard Kratzer.
Ann is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Norman Cleeland; son, Christopher (Patricia Doerries) Cleeland; step-mother, Catherine Kratzer; grandchildren: Sarah Ann (Jonathan Ponce Cuíriz) Cleeland, Sawyer Cleeland, and Maggie Cleeland; siblings and in-laws: Mark (Julie) Baca, JoAnn Nester, Mary Ellen (Nicholas Howey) Nester-Howey, Rose (James Heine) Nester, Geralyn Nester Singer, Jeanne Anne (Rich) Rhodes, Dr. Stephen (Kim) Nester, and Gerard (Tish) Nester; step-siblings: Steve Kratzer and Lynn (Mark) Fendler.
“Selfless” describes her best.
The eldest of nine and the matriarch of the family, Ann loved her family as much as her Catholic faith. She demonstrated a deep commitment to keeping her family connected throughout her years as a godmother, aunt, great-aunt, and cousin, lovingly raising younger siblings while mom tended to babies and tracking family history.
A beloved educator who dedicated over 50 years to the St. Louis Catholic Schools, impacting countless students as a teacher, principal, and administrator, she graduated St. Stephen Protomartyr Catholic School and St. Elizabeth High School in St. Louis, Ann went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from Mount St. Scholastica College (now Benedictine College) in Atchison, Kansas, and her Master’s degree from St. Louis University. Her devotion to her students was unwavering, and she was cherished for her kind spirit, wisdom, and passion for learning. Outside of the classroom, Ann loved singing and was an active member of the St. Louis German Liederkranz Singing Society for 59 years, where her love for music and community shone brightly. A lifelong avid reader, she had an insatiable curiosity and a deep appreciation for the written word. Ann’s legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her, from her family to her students to her colleagues, and in the many lives she touched with her dedication and grace.
Family and friends can sign the family’s online guestbook at www.HughesFA.com
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 17 Joy Avenue, Webster Groves, Missouri 63119, with reception to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, masses preferred or contributions in Ann’s name to the Teacher’s Fund ℅ Office of Catholic Education, Archdiocese of St. Louis 20 Archbishop May Drive, St. Louis MO 63119 or Bethesda St. Louis Health Foundation (https://bethesdahealth.org/giving-to-bethesda/contact-the-foundation/).
Services provided by Hughes Funeral Alternatives in St. Louis, Missouri. Family and friends can sign the family’s online guestbook at www.HughesFA.com
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