Ann Patricia Grady

Ann Patricia Grady of Denver, Colorado died peacefully at Denver Hospice on March 18, 2012 from complications of a stroke. She was surrounded by many loving friends and family. She was born in New Haven, Connecticut on April 28, 1935 to James W. Grady and Marion Flanagan Grady. She attended schools in New Haven and graduated from the College of New Rochelle with a bachelor's degree in sociology. She also received a certificate in occupational therapy from Columbia University, a master's degree from the University of Denver and a doctoral degree in human communications from the University of Denver. She taught leadership and interdisciplinary teamwork at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and for many years directed the occupational therapy department at the Children's Hospital in Denver. For four years she was president of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), an organization of more than 55, 000 members. She served as vice president of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) and was chairperson of its Research Development Committee. She received AOTA's highest scholastic award, the Eleanor Clark Schlagle Lecture, and also its Award of Merit. She also received AOTF's Meritorious Service Award. She authored or co-authored many books and publications in the occupational therapy field, most recently ""Mentoring Leaders"" with Gilfoyle and Nielsen in 2011. Her passion in her professional life focused on the inclusion of all people in their community of choice for living, working, and playing. Ann was predeceased by her parents, by a niece, Susan Grady, by nephew Tom Grady, and by longtime companion Lou Shannon. She is survived by brothers James W. Grady, Jr. of Boca Grande, Florida and Donald T. Grady of Overland Park, Kansas, and by sister Marian Grady Greene of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Ann was known and respected as much for her gentleness and love of people as for her substantial professional and personal achievement. Contributions in her memory can be made to the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.