Ann Patricia Grady: A Tribute to a Leader
Ann Patricia Grady died peacefully on March 18, 2012, from complications of a stroke. She was surrounded by many loving friends and family. Ann spent her early years in Connecticut graduating from the College of New Rochelle with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. She then attended Columbia University where she earned an advanced certificate in occupational therapy. She received a master’s degree and doctoral degree in human communications from the University of Denver.
In 1957 Ann began her career as an occupational therapist at Newington Children’s Hospital in Newington, CT. She moved to Colorado to accept a position as the director of the Occupational Therapy Department at the Children’s Hospital in Denver, CO, working there from 1966 through 1993. Throughout her career in occupational therapy, Ann was always a pioneer in new treatment approaches and innovations for children with disabilities. Her passion was the importance of family-centered care and the inclusion of all people in their community of choice for living, working, and playing. During her years as a clinician and administrator/leader, Ann also taught in the graduate programs at Colorado State University and the University of Colorado, Department of Pediatrics.
Ann has served the profession in several capacities on both the state and national levels. From 1977 through 1979 she served as Speaker of the Representative Assembly. In 1987 she was elected as Association Vice President, followed by her election as President in 1989. She has served as Vice President of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) and is a lifetime honorary member of their Executive Board. She has been recognized by the Association and Foundation for her many contributions to the profession. She was named a charter member of the Association’s Roster of Fellows in 1973; was the recipient of AOTF’s Meritorious Service Award in 1986; received the Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship in 1994; and was granted the AOTA Award of Merit in 2000 for service, leadership, scholarship, and global contributions to the profession. Ann has authored or co-authored many publications, including the book Children Adapt with Gilfoyle and Moore and recently the book Mentoring Leaders with Gilfoyle and Nielson.
Ann was known and respected as much for her gentleness and love of people as for her substantial professional and personal achievements. She is known by many as a mentor and a leader. We have lost a dear friend, she will be greatly missed.
Contributions in her memory can be made in her name to the American Occupational Therapy Foundation.
—Ellie Gilfoyle
