Obituary of Ann Marie Wilson

WILSON – Ann Marie (Kilcourse), 47, Johnstown, died Feb. 19, 2013, at Windber Hospice after a brief but extremely courageous battle with melanoma cancer. Born Aug. 13, 1965, in Bronx, N.Y., daughter of Dr. Thomas Francis and Diane M. (Mullin) Kilcourse. Preceded in death by parents; grandparents, Daniel G. and Nan (Muhlbaurer) Mullin; and beloved dog, Oliver George Wilson. Survived by loving husband, William McCartney Wilson II; loving children, Katherine Mullin “Katie,” William McCartney III “Billy” and Clara Mulhern; and her golden retriever, Kelly Ann Hanrahan Wilson, all at home, Johnstown. Also survived by loving father-in-law, William M. Wilson “Pop-Pop”; and loving mother-in-law, Patricia L. (Lilly) Wilson “Nammi,” Johnstown; loving sister-in-law, Kimberly P. Wilson Murgas, and beloved nephews, Robert James II “Bobby” and John William “Jack,” Columbus, Ohio; and loving sister-in-law, Kelli Lynn (Wilson) Clawson, and husband, Craig B. Clawson, and beloved nephews, Aidan Xavier and Liam Benton, Columbus, Ohio. Also survived by loving brother, Thomas F. Kilcourse, and wife, Sharon A. (Connell) Kilcourse; beloved niece, Morgan Tyler; beloved nephews, Thomas Francis “Tommy” and Ryan Patrick, Jensen Beach, Fla. Ann is a 1983 graduate of St. John the Baptist High School, West Islip, N.Y., and a 1987 graduate of The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., with a bachelor’s degree in political science. A native New Yorker, Ann began her career in Manhattan and worked as a marketing coordinator at Fairchild Publications, N.Y., and was a product manager for Neuberger & Berman Management, N.Y. She also was employed by American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and managed the marketing and sale of all educational products and services. Ann has served as the marketing director for Arthur J. Gallagher/Gleason Agency, Johnstown, since 2003. In 2005, Ann completed the sustainable marketing leadership program at Harvard Business School. Ann also served as a member of the board of trustees of the Fort Ligonier Association in Ligonier. She was a practicing member of St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church. Ann’s professional political career began when she volunteered for the Mike Fisher for governor campaign in 2002. She went on to be the political director of the Cambria County Republican Committee from 2002 to 2003. In 2004, Ann served as the chair of the Cambria County Young Professionals for Bush and was the communications coordinator for Bush-Cheney in Cambria County. Recognized for her accomplishments, Ann was accepted into the Anne B. Anstine Excellence in Public Service Series in 2005, a leadership program for Pennsylvania Republican women. In 2006, Ann served as the Pennsylvania Regional Chairwoman for Women for the Santorum for U.S. Senate campaign. In 2008, she served as the chairwoman for John McCain in Cambria County, as well as executive director of the Cambria County Republican Committee. In 2012, Governor Tom Corbett appointed her to The Pennsylvania Commission for Women. She served as a delegate to the Republican national convention in Tampa in 2012. In 2013, she was named one of the “Best County Party Chairs” in Pennsylvania by PoliticsPA.com. In 2005, Ann made her first attempt at public office with a victorious run for a four-year term to Johnstown City Council. She took the oath of office in January 2006, and was the first Republican woman to ever be elected to Johnstown City Council. Notably, Ann was the top vote getter on the ticket, beating out seven incumbents. She was re-elected in 2009 and was appointed deputy mayor of the city of Johnstown in January 2010. Even though Ann had an accomplished professional and political career her true love was always her loving children, husband and family. Ann lived for her children as she rarely missed a sporting event, a school event or any of the numerous activities the “Wilson Clan” were involved with. Ann loved everything about vacations and trips, the planning, the going, the activities and the food and treats that came with each special place. Some of her many true loves include, Christmas; Thanksgiving; Ocean City, N.J., and the boardwalk; Disney and the parades and fireworks; Vero Beach; The Dublin Irish Festival; New York City at Christmastime; being a devout Catholic with a faith which never wavered; her Irish heritage; her nephews and niece; the beloved dogs; and spending time with her many special friends from the numerous chapters of her life that always made her smile. Family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Moskal & Kennedy Colonial Funeral Home, Ohio Street and Highland Avenue, Moxham, where vigil service will be held at 8 p.m. Monday for the family. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church, Geistown, Father David S. Peles, celebrant. Committal, St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family at Ann Wilson Memorial Fund, c/o Slovenian Savings & Loan Association, 1512 Jefferson St. Windber, Pa. 15963.