Professional Women Photographers notes with sadness the passing of longtime member Ann Littlejohn. Ann was a active participant in PWP meetings, classes, and events, where she was friendly and helpful to all, one of the great members who make the organization tick.

Ann wasn’t partial to a single element of PWP, but supported the organization as a whole. A few years back when I was on the board, I arrived very late to the Student Awards ceremony. As I snuck in, she was the first person I met. But there was no shaming, only a warm greeting, and the moment and its grace stayed with me. She didn’t have to be there, but she was, in an odd part of town on a Sunday night, supporting young women, many of whom were seeing their work on the wall for the first time.

Other members also have fond memories:

“In the last century, exhibition opportunities kept falling into our laps, and I kept running many of them. When it came time to hang a show, there Ann would be (we must have looked like Mutt and Jeff, as I, at my tallest, was barely 5 feet), the first to arrive to help and the last to leave. We never knew each other deeply. Our lives followed such different paths, and we were both rather reserved, but Ann was one of my longest connections with PWP. “  – Myrna Harrison-Changar

“Ann was an intrepid adventurer. I loved her Alaska images of a mama bear and her cubs fishing in the river. Ann was in a group nearby in something no more substantial than a row boat. She was up for any adventure…. Now I am saddened to learn she and her spirit of adventure are no longer here to infect us in such a positive way. I will miss her greatly.”  – Joan Lappin

“So sorry to learn the passing of my good friend Ann. In 1998, I organized a trip to India in coordination with a solo exhibit I had in Bombay. Ann and two other friends joined me for a two week trip through Rajasthan, and we attended a camel fair. We also hired a company to ride camels for several days through the desert and camp. We shared the most colorful stories during those few days. Ann was always up for adventures and we experienced good and bad times such as the slashing of Ann’s camera bag for access to her equipment or a stone being thrown at me for taking pictures during a religious event in Jaipur. We sang with our young crew through the desert and Ann loved it. Ann was also a superb photographer and had many friends on Fire Island. She loved that place and talked very fondly about it. Ann was involved with PWP and attended many meetings for years. She slowed down during her husband’s sickness. I will miss her dearly. Ann, may your rest in peace!”  – Catherine Steinmann

“Ann was a long-time PWP member, a wonderful photographer and a gentle person.  I will miss her presence at PWP.”  – Diane Smook

“It is so sad to hear of her passing. Ann remained an active member–as active as she could considering her health–until the end. She was always excited to attend meetings, show her work in as many exhibitions as were held, and generally get to know the members. I will miss her and her warm and outgoing manner.”  – Jane Hoffer

“So very sad to hear of Ann passing, a long standing and truly valued member of PWP.  What an amazing career she had….we celebrate her life.”  – Sureita Hockley

To read more about Ann’s life and career, please visit her link on the Spear Funeral Home website.

– Catherine Kirkpatrick