Ann Wilde

Ann Wilde, of Ithaca, New York, and Logan, Utah, passed away in her home in Logan on August 8, 2013. She was 34. Ann is remembered for her generosity, compassion, and fiery intellect. People in need of a kind word, a helping hand, or a passionate advocate had Ann’s comfort and support. She affected many in her life, and will continue to inspire them toward greatness.
Ann was born in Logan on March 23, 1979. She grew up in Cache Valley and attended Cache County and Logan City schools. While attending Mount Logan Middle School, she met Aaron Law, the love of her life.
In 1997, she graduated from Logan High as a valedictorian. Then, at USU, she cultivated her love for literature and history, majoring in English, history, and American studies. By then Ann and Aaron’s friendship had blossomed into a devoted, adoring relationship. They married on May 8, 2001 in Logan.
After her study at USU, she was accepted into Cornell University’s Africana Studies program. There, she earned a Master’s in 2005 at the Africana Center, completing a thesis on the obstacles faced by the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi in the 1950s and ’60s. She then began work in Cornell’s History program. And, after completing a second Master’s degree in History, Ann engaged in a project to tell the story of Konrad Bercovici, a Romanian-Jewish immigrant who was a journalist, storyteller, and film-writer, much acclaimed in the early 20th century. Bercovici became her life’s passion, and she worked closely with his family to bring his story and work back to public and historical attention. Her research took her to Romania; Paris; New York; L.A.; Hull, Massachusetts; and Free Acres, New Jersey. She learned the art of documentary filmmaking to tell Bercovici’s story, conducting extensive interviews with Bercovici’s daughter, Mirel.
Through her education, natural sense of compassion and deep caring, Ann developed a radical commitment to justice for the dispossessed and less fortunate. She was always willing to devote much of her precious time to someone going through hard times or to causes that needed attention. And she taught and assisted hundreds of students in understanding the arc of history.
Ann was a life-long traveler who charmed people throughout Europe and North America. She loved New York, San Francisco, and especially, Paris, a city she would return to again and again during her life. She often shared the places she loved with friends and loved ones, either as a tour guide or just by sharing her adventures.
People often recognized Ann working hard in her yard. She planted and tended gardens wherever she lived, leaving beautiful flowers for all to enjoy. She loved art, music and film, which she indulged by seeking out museums, concerts, and art cinemas.
Ann is survived by her husband Aaron Neilson Law, her mother Kathy Kirk, her father Ross M. Wilde (Laurel), her sisters Amy Wilde-Taylor (John) and Arie Kirk, and nine nieces and nephews.
A gathering will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13, and from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 14, in Allen Hall Mortuary at 34 E. Center St. in Logan. The funeral is at noon Wednesday, August 14, also at Allen Hall Mortuary. She will be buried in the Logan Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net