Ann M. Hosbein Obituary
Ann Maher Hosbein passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Evanston, Illinois. She was 93 years old.
Ann was born in Evanston, Illinois on June 10, 1931 to Harry E. and Anastasia C. Maher; she was the second of their four children. She grew up in Winnetka, Illinois, spending her formative years with her friends and her younger sister Carol, and brothers Harry and Clark. She graduated from New Trier High School in 1949 and went on to the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in English in 1953. After college, Ann pursued a career in writing and advertising in San Francisco and Chicago.
Through her good friend, Ann Hollingbery (Corper), Ann was introduced to Roger Hosbein, of Glencoe, Illinois, a Notre Dame graduate, who had just returned from the Korean War. The two shared many common interests and were married on September 20, 1958. After a trip around the world for their honeymoon, which began their mutual life-long love of travel, Ann and Roger settled in Frostburg, Maryland, where they had two children, Mark and Jennifer. In 1962 Ann and Roger moved back to Winnetka to the house that became their home for the next 62 years. They had two more children, Laura and Greg, and remodeled the house to accommodate their expanded family.
Ann was truly a special and one-of-a-kind person. She had a friendly, warm smile and brightened every room she entered. Ann brought a sense of fun, style and warmth to everything she did. She was an amazing and supportive mother, from sewing Halloween costumes, to helping with homework and college applications, to making special dinners on birthdays. She was a great friend, and carried many of her childhood friendships into her life on the North Shore. Ann was always telling stories, laughing and smiling. She was an avid bridge player and was the partner everyone sought out. She became a good golfer and was a regular at Tuesday Lady's Day at Skokie Country Club. She loved to entertain, and along with Roger, made their house a special place full of fun, family and friendship.
Ann's passion was painting. She was a very talented and recognized artist. She had an amazing range, from Gramma Moses style paintings to beautiful oil paintings of pastoral scenes. She brought everyday subjects to life with beauty and warmth, and always painted with great detail. Many of her paintings were hung throughout her home, including one of the family's Michigan summer home; a scene from the shore of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where they often vacationed; and an oil painting of her four children standing on the beach. She painted several commissions for friends and community events on the North Shore.
Ann and Roger were great travelers, thanks to Roger's international business. She always made great friends on their trips and found interesting and unique souvenirs and keepsakes, which she collected and displayed around her home. Ann loved antiques and miniatures. Later in life, Ann also dedicated herself to writing short stories, and was often the featured story at the Fortnightly Writing Club. She even wrote a story about growing up in Winnetka in the 1930's that has been registered with the Winnetka Historical Society. She was treasurer of her investment club and a leader in the neighborhood circle. She and Roger were members of a local play-reading group, and she loved taking trips to Door County, Wisconsin to take painting classes and meet new and interesting people.
Known as "Gramma" to her nine grandchildren, Ann occupied a special place in all their hearts. She always made things so special when the grandchildren visited, greeted them with a warm smile, and made coming to see her so fun. Holidays at her house were especially fun as she loved to entertain and had a great collection of ornaments and decorations. She would always find a special gift for everyone to leave with.
Ann spent her entire adult life in the home she and Roger bought in 1962, though during the last year, as she needed more care, she resided at McGraw Hall at the Presbyterian Home. She was also cared for by her amazing caregivers Linda and Marilyn, who she loved. They were both dedicated to her during the final years of her life.
Ann is survived her four children Mark (Stephanie), Jennifer (the late Steve Black), Laura (Allen Leverett) and Greg (Andrea); and nine grandchildren, Andrew, Michael, and William Hosbein; Eleanor and Bridget Black; Grace and Ellie Leverett; and Sydney and Paige Hosbein.
Ann was preceded in death by her husband Roger (2020), brothers Clark (2002) and Harry (2018), and sister Carol (2020).
Funeral Mass Thursday, July 11, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish at Sacred Heart Church, 1077 Tower Road, Winnetka, IL 60093.
Interment private, In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: North Shore Art League, 620 Lincoln Avenue, Second Floor of Community House, Winnetka, IL 60093.
Info: donnellanfuneral.com or 847-675-1990.
