Ann Ramsay's life was education.
Those who worked with her over the years knew the passion she had for enriching people's lives and the tireless effort she put into her life's work.
Mrs. Ramsay, a teacher, principal and administrator for 25 years, former president of the Harford County Retired Teachers Association, chairman of the Harford Community College Board of Trustees and Harford Community College Foundation, as well as the director of the Leadership Academy died Feb. 21 from complications from an automobile accident last August.
Her impact on the community is still felt, however, in the people she met throughout her career, the students she taught and the work she did with HCC.
Havre de Grace Mayor Wayne Dougherty met Mrs. Ramsay "many, many years ago" when she was working at Norrisville Elementary School and he was with the Harford County Sheriff's Office.
"She was always a very cordial individual," Dougherty remembered. "She made everybody feel comfortable."
Through his many interactions with Mrs. Ramsay, Dougherty couldn't help but notice that her "heart" was always with "the youngsters and the community."
Her old community college colleagues also mentioned her love for education, working in different capacities throughout her time at HCC.
Dr. Richard Streett, whom Mrs. Ramsay replaced on the college's Board of Trustees in 1991, also knew the family outside of work, both living in the Churchville area.
"When she was chair [of the board], she periodically would …talk to me and ask my opinion on various things," Streett said.
By the time he came back to the Board of Trustees, Streett said Mrs. Ramsay had gotten actively involved with the Harford Community College Foundation.
"It [the foundation] wouldn't be what it is now for the college without her leadership and [help]," he said. "She was dedicated to Harford Community College and the foundation."
Streett said he would most remember the educator for her work over the years and as "one person who shared the same desires I did for the college."
Former Harford Community College president Dr. James LaCalle also worked with Mrs. Ramsay when she was on the board and working for the foundation.
"Ann was just a wonderful person, a great educator," he said of his former colleague. "Her whole life was educating others, caring about others, wanting them to do well."
He described Mrs. Ramsay as a "kind, gentle person" and commented that she did "a great job" in raising scholarship money for the college's foundation.
HCC president Dr. Dennis Golladay met Mrs. Ramsay the first time he arrived at the college when applying for the position.
"To me, she's been kind of like a constant here at the community college," he said. "She's been a very strong constant."
Golladay said he admired her "strong attachment to the college," someone who was "always willing to do whatever would be in the best interest of the college."
Mrs. Ramsay always had a sense of optimism, he continued, and was vibrant and energetic.
"What she's done," Golladay said, "she has set an excellent example of someone who is constantly engaged, and that is how we should all be."