Ann E. Severance

Ann Severance, of Plainfield, IL, beloved wife, daughter, sister and aunt passed away peacefully on March 21st with her husband at her side.  Ann was born in Los Alamos, NM, the third daughter of John and Arlene (née Brown) Severance.  The family moved to Boise when she was four.

From an early age Ann enjoyed nature, music, and animals.  She loved family weekend outings exploring destinations throughout Idaho, but especially the family cabin.  Ann began playing piano and double bass in the fourth grade.  Her love of music continued through the years.  She eventually joined the Boise Philharmonic double bass section and went on to study music performance in double bass at the University of Texas, Austin and Indiana University.  She returned to Boise and the Philharmonic while earning a degree in Business Administration from Boise State University, graduating in 1987.

At Indiana University Ann met her future husband, Timothy Racette, while playing in one of the university orchestras.  They married in the City Rose Garden in Boise, Idaho in 1988.

Ann’s love of music continued throughout her life, along with an enthusiasm for reading and art.  She had a keen eye for beautiful jewelry and was always up for browsing for something unexpected at flea markets or antique stores.  Ann had a soft spot for animals and took great care of the stray cats that adopted her through the years.  Ann loved her nieces and visited often. Shopping and lunches were always on the agenda and a good time was had by all.  She was a voracious reader and a favorite at the public library.

Ann is survived by her husband of 34 years, Timothy Racette, two sisters, Jane Severance and Trish (Eric Weiner) Severance, two nieces Jill Harms and Stephanie (Karl Harshe) Weiner, and many brother and sister-in laws.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of Ann’s life will be held at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60435, on Saturday, April 15, 2023 beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of a commemoration ceremony at 1:00 p.m.  

A celebration of Anne's life will also take place at 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 24 in the Agricultural Pavilion in Julia Davis Park in Boise. 

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Ann’s memory to: Plainfield Public Library District, 15025 S Illinois St, Plainfield 60544.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.PleseFuneralservices.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL   815-735-2125.