Ann Orto Liggio
Ann Orto Liggio of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on October 16, 2021, after a courageous battle with a longterm illness.
Ann was born to Charles Wilbur and Charlotte Hanson Orto on July 12, 1950, in Pine Bluff, Ark. She grew up in her loving family with her two sisters, Lola and Lise, in Pine Bluff and graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1968. After graduation, she attended the University of Arkansas for her first two years and later attended the University of Houston, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in English. Afterwards, she completed Master studies in English Literature at the University of Delaware.
A longtime resident of Houston, Ann was a published author and a specialist in technical communication who won numerous awards for her work. She was employed at various non-profit and computer software companies. She also devoted many years to volunteer work, including the Red Cross, Interfaith Ministries, and the Mental Health Association, where she received a Volunteer of the Year Award. She also contributed to the publication of “Minding the Badge” for the Houston Police Department.
Ann dearly loved animals, especially horses, which led her to volunteer as a longtime stable attendant for the Houston Mounted Police. In 2011 Ann received the Mayor’s Volunteer Houston Award for her work with the Houston Mounted Police. Ann co-authored “Wild Orchids of Texas” published by the University of Texas Press in 1999. The book received Best of Show and Award of Distinguished Technical Communication in the 2000 International Publications Competition.
Since retirement she has especially enjoyed her volunteer work as a Red Cross liaison for the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Service. At the Interfaith Ministries, she also served as a sponsor for an Afghan refugees military interpreter family. In addition, she did volunteer work for the Star of Hope Women’s Shelter and the Ronald McDonald House.
Ann is survived by her spouse, Joe Liggio; sisters, Lola Levin and Lise Bischof; and niece, Margaret Levin. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Wilbur and Charlotte Hanson Orto. We are deeply indebted to fine doctors, nurses, and staff at MD. Anderson Hospital who greatly extended her life.
A memorial service will be held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church at 1819 Heights Blvd in Houston, Texas at 11:00 on Saturday November 6, 2021. A reception be held at The St. Andrew’s Parish Hall following the service. The family will be greeting friends and relatives after the Service. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to: Houston Police Foundation, 1200 Travis 9th Floor (Mounted Patrol), Houston, Texas 77002. Please earmark all donations to “Mounted Patrol via the Houston Police Foundation.”
Condolences may be left on the McNutt Funeral Home online guest book at https://www.mcnuttfuneralhome.com/.