Ann Mason Heartburg died peacefully at her home on Feb. 25, the morning after celebrating her 102nd birthday. She was born in Fayette, Missouri, lived in Chicago, Illinois, during the Great Depression, and spent 20 years in Birmingham, Alabama, before moving to St. Thomas in 1966. When her husband, Phil Heartburg, passed away in 1967, she worked at a boutique at Mountain Top where they had vacationed numerous times.
The American Red Cross awarded her with a luncheon and plaque reading: “For outstanding and dedicated service to the people of the Virgin Islands, May 17, 1992,” for her many years as a volunteer. She also volunteered at the Humane Society flea market and the Hospitality Lounge when it was in the Grand Hotel and in Fort Christian. She received the Devoted Volunteer Award for lab work at the Tutu Archaeological Village Site from 1990-1997. In the words of Elizabeth (Holly) Righter, Ann “always had a smile and a cheerful word for everyone, never missing a day, taking meticulous and accurate notes [on the dig findings].”
Ann is survived by her daughter, Susan Edwards, son-in-law Don Edwards, granddaughters: Kitty Edwards, Ginny Maxwell and Laurie Rapier; grandson, Phil Heartburg; great-grandson, Mason Maxwell; great-granddaughter Margaret Tronsor; nieces: Susan Cummings and Bettie Swiontek, grand nephews: Patrick McGee and David Nielsen; great-grand nieces: Madison McGee and Erika Nielsen; grand nieces: Elisa Mason and Ingrid Mason, great-grand nephew, Asher Ramirez; goddaughters: Spring Fairbank and Margaret Maddon; and many other friends and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Phil Heartburg, and son, Larry Heartburg.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ann Heartburg’s name to the St. Thomas chapter of the American Red Cross or the St. Thomas Humane Society.
