Ann Morse Pritchard, 88, of Essex, died Oct. 16. She was born Aug. 27, 1925 to Walter Ronald and Mildred Ketcham Morse of New Britain. Ann grew up in New Britain and lived there for most of her life. She graduated from Northfield School and Skidmore College, and volunteered for community organizations, notably the New Britain Museum of American Art.

In 1947 she married John Clayton Pritchard, son of Richard E. and Mildred G. Pritchard, also of New Britain. They had five children together. John spent his career with Stanley Works and retired as vice president and treasurer. Their marriage lasted 36 years until John’s death in 1983. Ann later married William West and they resided in Essex. For the final ten years of her life, she was a close companion to the late Jack Spangler, also of Essex.

Ann traveled widely and always sought out the company of accomplished and interesting people. She and her family skied throughout New England, and sailed for many years along the New England coast in their sloop, Reverie. She was especially proud of her Morse forebearers, who farmed for 250 years in southern Connecticut and participated in the founding of the New Haven and Wallingford Colonies.

Ann is survived by five children, Ted Pritchard of Arlington, Vermont, Joan Pritchard of Hartford, Betsy Wheating of Waterbury Center, Vermont, Carol Conry of Avon, and Susan Reed of San Anselmo, California; nine grandchildren; and her siblings Richard K. Morse of St. Louis, Missouri and Dorothy M. Cooper of San Antonio, Texas.

All are welcome to attend a memorial service on Monday, Nov. 4 at 11 a.m. at the Essex Yacht Club, Novelty Lane, Essex. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Child & Family Agency, 190 Westbrook Road, Essex, CT 06426. The Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook, was in charge of arrangements. To share a memory of Ann or leave a condolence for her family visit rwwfh.com.