Ann Reynolds

January 8, 1935 - May 1, 2021

Ann Reynolds died peacefully on May 1st in her Piedmont home surrounded by loving family after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer. She had a full, happy and productive life and enjoyed every minute of it.

With a smile that lit up any room, Ann was an adoring wife of 62 years, a loving mother and grandmother, a devoted daughter, and a joyful sister to her immediate family. As the glue to an extended family that included four generations of Reynolds and Seulbergers, she was the absolute center of the family universe, and a steward to so many more. Ann was seen as a champion in warmth, intelligence, humor, humanity, authenticity and certainly bravery right to the end. Ann’s zest for life was infectious as she had so many passions that she transformed into lasting contributions to her family, friends and community. Music, flowers and people were her love as she danced her way through life.

As a curious and consummate learner, Ann was committed to not only her own education, but that of others. She studied at both Wellesley College and the University of California at Berkeley. She earned a masters of Science degree in Educational Psychology with a specialty in learning and a California school of counseling credential.

Ann created scholarships to bright students because she believed they would give back to their community at Northern Lights School, Wellesley College, UC Berkeley, Holy Names University and through the Oakland Coliseum Foundation.

Ann made a life’s work of helping young people achieve their full learning potential as a teacher, tutor, counselor and educational consultant. For 15 years she provided professional expertises that matched students with the school, college, or university that would best help them achieve success. She referred to her counseling and support of youth as one of her greatest missions and joys of her life.

In 2006, Ann received the annual lifetime achievement award from the Ann Martin Children’s Center, where she was a member of the Board of Directors, acknowledging her efforts to further the emotional growth and the academic achievement of youth with special needs.

Ann shared her vision, energy and expertise as a Trustee of Holy Names University for 18 years. In 2007 she was awarded the President’s Medal in honor of her outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the University. Later in 2011 she was awarded the Durocher Award to someone who, for our time and culture, embodies the spirit and values of Marie Rose Durocher and the Holy Names Sisters and has made a contribution to the broader community. As a longterm resident of Piedmont, CA, she was active and supportive of the community and education through her teaching and counseling at Piedmont Schools, support of the Piedmont Educational Foundation, the Piedmont Historic Society, and the Piedmont Beautification Committee.

Ann not only turned her concern for mental health into a successful counseling career, but also as the cofounder of A Beautiful Night Housing - a non-profit committed to building a working farm for young adults with mental illness.

Most recently in July 2019, Ann co-founded LookUp.live with her daughter, Susan Reynolds, a non-profit venture to counter the impact of digital addiction and social isolation on youth mental health. She enthusiastically shared their mission and impact with friends and family alike.

With an endless support of education, philanthropy, and community, Ann’s impact reached far and wide. She also served on the Independent Educational Consultants Association Board, the Piedmont Millennium High School Advisory Board, Junior League of the East Bay Board, Northern Light School Board and the Piedmont Parents Board. Ann had a deep love of flowers that began early with her father, J. Fred Seulberger, of Seulberger’s flowers. She carried on his tradition through wildflower walks with her grandchildren and community members, sharing her home on garden tours and as a board member of the Piedmont Garden Club and UC Botanical Garden.

Other things that brought joy to Ann’s life were golf, bridge, skiing, music and dancing. She brought passion and enthusiasm to all of her pursuits and she shared them with family, friends and her community, including skiing with her grandchildren well into her 80’s.

Ann is survived by her husband Jon Reynolds, her sister Jane Woodson, her three children, Susan Reynolds, Kassie Thomas (Bill), Jake Reynolds (Robin) and six grandchildren, Brittany Cappetta, Olivia Cappetta, Joseph Thomas, Sophie Reynolds, Annie Reynolds, and Zach Reynolds, and an extensive extended family.

A small family service was held with plans for a Celebration of Ann’s life when Covid relents. Donations in Ann’s honor can be made to the Ann Reynolds Legacy Fund at www.LookUp.live or PO Box 1571, Concord, MA, 01742 - or a charity of your choice.