Obituaries

Ann was born in Chicago to Frank and Mary Valenziano. She passed on February 29 at the age of 77. Ann graduated from Cardinal Stritch High School and earned a bachelor’s degree at Mundelein College in Early Education.

Ann fell in love with her college sweetheart, William J. Bloch (Bill) three years after they met. The couple was solemnly engaged following Bill’s graduation in 1963. They were married the following year and first lived on Chicago’s Northwest side.

It was at Swedish Covent Hospital on the Northwest side of Chicago that both Bill and Ann’s children were born, Richard in 1964 and David in 1965.

Ann first learned of her PKD (polycystic kidney disease) the year they moved to Homewood (1967). She was later to find that she had breast cancer and immediately became active in “Why Me?” a group dedicated to letting women know their selections in healthcare.

Ann was blessed to have been cured of cancer, but her passion for helping people was still there. Immediately she went to work alerting victims of PKD about their genetic choices. She toiled every moment. Her work was greatly valued and in 1990 she earned a seat as a member of the Board of Governors of the Polycystic Kidney Research Foundation.

In 1995 Ann received a kidney transplant, almost five years to the day after her cancer scare. It was in God’s mercy that she was able to live on that kidney for twenty-five years before her passing.

Ann was a kindergarten teacher in Homewood, Markham and Flossmoor until she retired in 1997.

In 1998, Ann and Bill moved to St. Charles and became a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Among her many activities at the church, she went to work again teaching kids in Sunday school. Her grade level was nearly same as kindergarten but this time is was four year olds.

Ann is survived by her two children Richard (Diane) Bloch of Snohomish, WA; David Bloch of St.Charles, IL; a brother, Robert (Sandi) Valenziano of Venice, FL, and her half brother, Robert (Chris) Schmehl of Venice, FL. She is also survived by a niece, Vanessa who also lives in Venice, FL.

Memorial contributions to Ann’s memory may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 320 Franklin St., P.O. Box 126, Geneva, IL 60134

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