Kathreen Ann Memory, 73, of Charlottesville, passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, at her home surrounded by friends.

Ann, the only child of Samuel Forster Memory Jr. and Kathreen Salter, grew up in South Georgia, inheriting the southern charm and warm hospitality she offered to everyone in every encounter. As a graduate of Emory University, Ann developed a life-long love of learning, whatever the subject, and the ability to share her knowledge with others. Ann taught English, (Albemarle County and Iowa), found her passion for the preparation of delicious food while living in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and, upon returning to Charlottesville in 1976 she joined a local real estate firm. Soon thereafter, Ann commuted to Bethesda to complete a professional course of study at L' Academie de Cuisine and then boldly established the first cooking school in Charlottesville from which she transitioned to owner-chef of the popular Memory & Company Restaurant on Second Street Southwest. Ann was renowned for her keen culinary talents, and she shared her love of good food and wine with enthusiasm. Many enduring friendships were cultivated through Memory & Company.

After selling her restaurant, Ann served as a consultant at The Seasonal Cook before moving to Belgium in 2001 with her husband, Hans Boekdrukker. Ann and Hans traveled extensively through Europe until his death in 2009.

She returned to Charlottesville permanently in the fall of 2013, much to the delight of her local circle of friends. Independent, kind, gentle, and generous, Ann won the hearts and respect of students, colleagues,and business acquaintances throughout her life. Ann was a devoted companion to Hans and together they offered unsurpassed hospitality to everyone. Ann showed her friends how to enjoy life with compassion and love and she will be missed.

In addition to her parents and Hans, Ann was preceded in death by her first husband, Tom Gregory. She is survived and mourned by a much loved extended family in Georgia; by special friend, Alexi Assmus and her family in Princeton, New Jersey; by her friends and the Boekdrukker extended family in Europe; and by dear friends in this community too numerous to mention by name.

A memorial service to pay tribute to Ann's strength, her courage, and her ability to take joy and delight in every aspect of life will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2014, at 2 p.m. in the Foyer of Old Main at Miller School of Albemarle, 1000 Samuel Miller Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22903.

Submitted by Allen Carver