Ann Schipper, F17603, loved FMCA and cherished all the memories and friends she and her husband, George, made through their involvement. Ann served as treasurer of the Central Florida Roadrunners chapter right up until her passing on February 19, 2022. “She wouldn’t have it any other way,” George said.
George and Ann joined FMCA in 1976. That same year, they helped to form the GMC Great Lakers chapter, and Ann served as secretary. They also were involved in the formation of the Southeast Area Motor Coach Association (SEA), working alongside Dottie Pierce, who went on to be elected as FMCA national president. Ann later served as secretary for SEA. She continued her service as the national director for the Frustrated Maestros chapter during this time. Ann considered the Central Florida Roadrunners her home chapter, and not only did she share her talents as secretary, but she also held the office of national director.
Ann enjoyed working in the information booth at FMCA conventions and meeting people from across North America. She and George also liked introducing other RV owners to FMCA and have recruited more than 100 new members. George said Ann took pride in wearing her 100-member recruitment pin and watch.
George served as national vice president, Southeast Area, from 2003 to 2007 and said Ann was his greatest supporter and help during that time.
“We traveled to national conventions and board meetings, and Ann was always there to help and serve. We traveled often with Tony and Geri Innocenti from Texas and have fond memories of Ann and Geri working with the Meeting Hospitality Committee at the Round Bottom Road office to feed the national board members all their meals,” George said.
Ann also served on the Member Recruitment Committee from 2003 to 2006.
Ann’s family describes her as a devoted wife, mother, friend, and Christian throughout her entire life. She always had an open door and would lend a hand to anyone and everyone who came into her life. She greeted people with a welcoming smile and open arms.
Ann grew up in Cadillac, Michigan, and later moved to Grand Rapids, where she attended Davenport University and studied to become an executive secretary. She worked for the president of Holland Motor Express, the Pontiac School District, and then the Pontiac General Hospital surgery department.
George and Ann met on a blind date to the roller rink in Zeeland, Michigan, in 1955. Ann was an avid roller skater and ice skater as a teenager.
After George and Ann married in May 1957, they began RVing in a Western Field pop-up trailer all over the state of Michigan — that sparked their love of camping and meeting new friends. Eventually, the RVs got bigger as they added their children and introduced them to the world of RVing. Their current RV is a Type C motorhome that they have enjoyed taking out. They have used the motorhome to travel to see their children and grandchildren across the country.
“Our friendships formed throughout the rallies, conventions, and campouts made our jobs easy and fun,” George said. “Actively being involved has always been an ongoing pleasure.” In addition to George, Ann is survived by their five children,
15 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.