Ann DuVall Obituary

Ann was born in Evanston, Illinois in 1958 to her loving parents Helen and Arthur Stake. She was the middle sister to Mary Beth and Helen. She attended Regina Dominican High School where she made a close group of lifelong friends. She attended Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin and majored in Political Science. There she met her husband Brian, and the pair were married in Evanston in 1981 and had their first daughter Kiely in 1986. Her career began at the office of the Illinois Secretary of State. In 1989, Ann, Brian and Kiely relocated to Washington Township, New Jersey and the couple welcomed their second daughter Molly.

Ann worked in state government in New Jersey for many years. She supported local constituents and dedicated her efforts to Delaware River waterfront enhancement projects like the permanent docking of the Battleship New Jersey in Camden alongside her colleagues and friends at the Home Port Alliance. These partnerships as well as Ann's passion for civil service led her to the Delaware River Port Authority as a project manager. In addition to her professional pursuits and passions, Ann loved blue crab meals on the boat with her family on the Chesapeake Bay, day trips to find antique treasures and a great lunch spot in an unexplored town, gatherings with neighbors, and cheering on her family in sports, clubs, and school events. She cherished holiday and special occasion trips made each year to visit parents, siblings, nieces and nephews in Illinois and Pennsylvania.

After many years of searching for their dream home, Ann and Brian moved to Pitman in 2016. Both enjoyed the close-knit community and Pitman Pride, supporting local businesses, and volunteering at town festivals and events. Ann was an active member of the Pitman Democrats organization and the Gloucester County and Pitman Pickleball Leagues. Adventurous and outdoorsy, she enjoyed hiking, paddling, roller coasters, exploring nature and gardening.

Following their move to Pitman, Ann and Brian welcomed the birth of their grandchildren Caden and Macie. Ann used to say, her world changed the day her grandkids came into it. Nannie spent much of her time creating special memories with them through playtime before school, sleepovers and dress-up in her hats and boots, ice cream and movie dates, and thinking up games, decorations, and cakes for their birthday celebrations.

Ann showed her love by making gifts for those she cherished. Her passion for crafting meaningful keepsakes started early on by sewing her daughters' Halloween costumes each year and evolved to hand-making items for celebrations like weddings, graduations, and milestones of those she loved.

On Friday, June 9th, Ann passed away peacefully in her home in Pitman, surrounded by family and her dog Lacey, after a devastatingly, unexpected late stage diagnosis of lung cancer. She is survived by her husband of 42 years Brian DuVall, daughters Kiely (Mike) McAnulty, Molly DuVall, grandchildren Caden and Macie McAnulty, sisters Mary Beth (Tony) Broccolo, Helen (Jim) Flood, and nieces and nephews Patrick (Nikki) Broccolo, Jim Broccolo, Chris (Veena) Broccolo, Laura (Jimmy) Harkins, Will Flood and Kyra Flood and is predeceased by Arthur and Helen Stake and Catherine "Betty" Keenan. Ann left her mark on the world literally and figuratively. She was selfless, dedicated, hardworking, and generous. A part of Ann lives on through her contributions to the people and passions that were close to her heart.

The family will be hosting a viewing on the evening of Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 from 6-8pm at the Kelley Funeral Home 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman NJ. An additional viewing will take place on Thursday morning from 10:30am-11:00am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church 161 Pitman Ave, Pitman NJ, directly followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, in Mom's spirit of giving to others, she would prefer you to make a charitable donation to a cause or charity that speaks to your heart.