Rochester, NY 10/26/49 – St Petersburg, FL 7/23/2022. Ann Marie Huntoon Gessen died on July 23, 2022, following a battle with breast cancer. Ann met her husband, Ed Gessen in Rochester, NY in 1972. They lived in Los Angeles, CA for 40 years where they raised their family, Brianne Sara Gessen (Ben Lastufka, Santa Rosa, CA) and Chad David Gessen (Los Angeles, CA). She had one grandchild, Luciana Babette Lastufka. Ann and Ed spent the last 6 years enjoying life in St Petersburg, FL. She grew up in Rochester, the eldest child of 4 of the late George & Suzanne Huntoon. Her siblings are David Huntoon (Beverly) who predeceased her, Patricia Schantz (Leonard), and Suzanne Whelehan (Nick Clabaugh).

After spending her childhood school years at St. Monica’s and St. Agnes in Rochester, Ann’s sharp mind and intelligence led her to the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration. She always loved technology and had a long and successful career in sales in the Technology Industry. She spent time at TRW, Northrop, Xerox, and Boeing Computer Services. She was always your first call when you had a computer problem!

Ann was a charismatic, creative, and beautiful woman, both inside and out. She made new friends instantly wherever she went, and she always had an infectious smile to share. Ann was a very outgoing and active woman who loved all forms of sports and exercise. She was an avid skier, tennis player, dog walker, and yogi. She was a prolific reader, and active in several book clubs. She loved knitting purses, scarves, baby blankets and clothes, and other outrageously creative items for her friends and family. Her outlandish purses often stopped traffic! She loved living near the ocean, both in California and then, Florida. Ann loved watching the dolphins from her dock and playing word games (especially posting her daily Wordle). She had a special ability to meet new people easily and to make people laugh, and feel welcomed. She was considered a true friend by many and could always be counted on for anything. She was very strong and positive during her 5-year bout with cancer and was an inspiration to so many. Ann was a devoted mother and loved her kids madly. She also loved shopping, and was a very classy and stylish woman! She was a generous person and was very engaged in neighborhood activities and was the Vice President and newsletter editor for her homeowners association. Ann loved the local museums to which she was a proud donor and benefactor. She loved Haitian Art and helped build a renowned collection along with her husband. Ann and Eddie traveled the world together during their 45 years of marriage, enjoying many cross-country and overseas adventures.

She will be forever remembered for her radiant smile, upbeat personality, loyal friendship, and will always be in our hearts.

A burial in Rochester will be held for Ann Huntoon Gessen on Friday, September 9th, at 11:00 AM. We will meet at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery at the Dewey Rd. entrance. Ann will be buried with our parents. After the burial, there will be a reception at the Veterans lodge in Camp Eastman, 1558 Lakeshore Blvd.

A Florida memorial will be held for Ann Huntoon Gessen on Saturday, October 15th, at 12:00 pm, at the home of Ann and Ed Gessen, in St. Petersburg. Ann had many dear friends here in Florida so those who would like to join the family in the celebration of her life are welcome!

Service Information:

Venue: Home of Ann and Ed Gessen
Service date: October 15, 2022
Service time: 12 PM
Please contact Ed Gessen or a member of the family for address.