Ann Karfiol Rothman, 79, died on Saturday, June 5, 2010, at the Rutland Regional Medical Center, following a period of declining health.
She was born on May 16, 1931, in Manhattan, New York, N.Y., the daughter of Edward and Ida (Cohen) Karfiol.
Ann (known affectionately as Annie) was a singular woman whose life touched the lives of many. She was an iconoclastic thinker and lived on her own terms. A talented writer and decorator, Ann was primarily known in the later years of her life as a passionate champion for Danby; her love of the town was reflected in her determination to revitalize it, and she spent the preponderance of her efforts and time doing so. She helped the fire department; was awarded by the state of Vermont for her efforts in the restoration of Danby; conducted significant research on the town’s benefactor, Silas Griffith, “the Santa Claus Bandit;” was the founder and secretary of the Danby-Mount Tabor Historical Society; and owner of many historic buildings along Main Street, Danby (collectively known as Danby Green), as well as the proprietor of the Gallery of Danby Green and Annie’s Kitchen, a shop selling decorative house and kitchen wares.
Ann is survived by five daughters, Nancy Schulman Schutt, Susan Schulman, Edwina Schulman, Donna Rothman and Deborah Rothman Sherman; as well as six grandchildren, Jared and Jacob Gabbay, David and Evan Schutt, Jason Garrelick and Alexandra Sherman.