Ann Silber, whose devotion to her community was only exceeded by her love of family, died in her Del Mar home on March 14, 2023. She was 99.
The daughter of Grover and Grace Korrer and sister of William Korrer, she made many close girlfriends while growing up in central Wisconsin. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, she earned a master's degree with a focus on early childhood development from Texas Women's University. On that Denton, Tex., campus, she met her husband, John Silber. They were wed on Sept. 3, 1949, and this marriage endured until his death on March 8, 2005.
Ann and John were both educators, he teaching music at several universities while Ann taught at several schools, from the pre-school through the secondary level. The couple moved to Del Mar in 1967 when John took a professorship at the University of California, San Diego. Ann continued to teach until deciding to devote her time to raising their eight children.
Ann's life was permeated by her love of family, friends and community -- in that order. While her children all followed different paths, she remained involved in their activities, always showering them with love and support. Every night at 6, the Silber dinner table was a noisy and joyful spot as the children took turns sharing their adventures of the day.
Ann had many friends in Del Mar and gave her time and energy to numerous causes, assisting needy members of the community. She helped create the Children's Creative Workshop, a free dental clinic, after-school literacy programs and was one of the founders of Del Mar Community Connections. She worked tirelessly, never seeking credit for herself and somehow never neglecting her children and husband.
Ann passed from this life peacefully, looking out at the Del Mar coastline, surrounded by family and cradled in the arms of one of her beloved granddaughters.
She is survived by her children, John Silber (Karen Freeman, wife); William Silber; Thomas Silber (Martha Silber, wife); Mary Silber (John Carlstrom, husband); Ann Crosbie (John Crosbie, husband); Paul Silber; Ellen Silber; and Richard Silber; as well as 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A funeral will be held April 11 at 10 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, Solana Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Del Mar Community Connections.
Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune, April 2, 2023.
