Ann Marie Dittmeier

Ann Marie Dittmeier, 73, died on Friday June the 30th at Nazareth Home Clifton campus. Ann was born May 28th, 1950, the 3rd child of Martha and Charles Dittmeier. You may have known Ann as a neighbor, co-worker, friend, or as a person you supported, but what Ann was above all else was a pioneer for people with disabilities in Kentucky. Ann was born 40 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act making her accomplishments even more exceptional.
After living at home with her parents for over 30 years and watching her 7 siblings leave the nest, Ann and her parents were brave enough to try new possibilities. Ann was the first person in Kentucky to get supported employment services and was one of the first to get a Hart Supported Living grant. Through these programs and with the aid of a talented and dedicated team, Ann was able to inspire a future generation of people with disabilities. Ann paved the way by having regular jobs in regular businesses, owning her own home and by giving back through her volunteer work.
Ann loved going out to eat, attending Mass, playing cards, watching The Young and the Restless and above all, teasing her brothers and brothers-in-law. Ann’s positive attitude and sense of humor helped her to assimilate into her community, her neighborhood and her work.
Ann’s life was enriched for over 40 years by an incredible support team of family, friends, employment coaches, her art therapist, and so many incredible direct support professionals. These wonderful people helped Ann to live in her own home, doing what she chose to do, until the last few months of her life. When Ann needed more care, the wonderful caring people at Nazareth Home Clifton provided a haven of rosary, Mass, bingo and friends that Ann thoroughly enjoyed.
Ann is predeceased by her parents, her brother Raymond and grandniece, Madeline Browne. She is survived by her siblings, Father Charles Dittmeier of Cambodia, Dennis Dittmeier of Cocoa Beach Florida, Jane and David Browne, Paul and Hope Dittmeier, Mary and Mike Davis all of Louisville and Martha Dittmeier Reed and Mark Reed of West Chester, Ohio. Ann is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews and their children. Ann loved them dearly and was very interested in, and entertained by, their lives. Our hearts are broken. Ann was taken from us too soon.
Instead of a funeral home visitation, we are celebrating Ann’s life with Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 510 Breckenridge Ln, Louisville, KY 40207, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday July 7th . There will be a gathering of family and friends following the service in the church cafeteria from 11:30 to 1:30. Enter the cafeteria from the back parking lot. Please join us for either celebration or both. Ann will have a private burial at St. Aloysius Cemetery in Pewee Valley, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Mattingly Edge, the organization that helps people with disabilities like Ann to thrive at work, at home, and in relationships. Donations can be made by sending checks to 1930 Bishop Lane, Suite 1001, Louisville, KY 40218 or online at mattinglyedge.kindful.com.
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