March 19, 1935 to December 24, 2023

Anne Ratchford Kearns, Green Ridge, died at age 88 on Dec. 24, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Robert Kearns, who died on May 8, 2000. Born in the Bellevue section of Scranton on March 19, 1935 she was the daughter of the late Martin and Anna DeLacey Ratchford. She was a graduate of Central High School, class of 1953. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in art education from Marywood University in 1957, where she received the St. Luke Art Medal for Excellence in Art. She earned additional Master's of Arts in art education, painting and interior design. Anne was first employed by the Scranton School District teaching art and history at West Scranton High School. In 1976, Anne joined the faculty of Marywood College, now Marywood University, in both the art and education departments. She taught and directed in both the art education and interior design programs on the undergraduate and graduate level until her retirement in 2003. During that time she served as co-chair of the art department, member of the teacher advisory committee, member of the admissions committee, the faculty senate, and academic advisor for both art education and interior design students. She was inducted and honored with Marywood University's Order Cor Mariae Pro Fide Et Cultura for distinguished service. Anne was instrumental in starting the architecture program at Marywood University. Always active in academic and professional advancement, Anne was a member of the PA Art Education Association and the International Interior Design Association. Her commitment to the community was manifest in her active membership in many organizations. She was president of the Scranton chapter of Marywood Alumni for two years and president of the National Alumni Association for three years. Anne served as president of the St. Andrea Organization for two years and was celebrated for her designs at many memorable charity events. She also was on the decorating committees for St. Paul's and St. Clare's parishes. Her greatest joy in life was that of being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt to her large family. Surviving are her childen, Patrick, and wife Nancy of Charleston, W.Va., Michael of Slippery Rock, Dr. Clare Kearns McCarthy and husband Thomas of Minneapolis, Minn., Robert and wife Mary Alice of Dalton, Martin and wife Maryann of Rockville, Md., and Christopher and wife Maureen of Glenmoore. Anne has 16 grandchildren, Matthew, Chelsea, Bridey, Devin, Tierney, Ellen, Moira, Katie, Abby, Melissa, Tess, Robbie, Connor, Meredith, Sarah and Patrick. Anne also had the joy of meeting two of her great-grandchildren this year, Harry and Rady. She also adored and loved the Duffy family and all in her extended Irish Catholic family. In addition to her husband, Anne was also preceded in death by her brother, Thomas J. Ratchford; and two sisters, Jane Ratchford Pierce and Mary Ratchford Duffy. The funeral Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Scranton, Pa. Relatives and friends are invited to a public visitation preceding the Mass from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that memorials be directed to either St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503, St. Francis of Assisi Commons-Veterans Residency Program, 504 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503 or St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.

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