Ann Wise Loker Obituary (1946

Ann Wise Loker passed away on December 16, 2022. She was the truly devoted wife of William Alexander (Aleck) Loker Jr, and the loving mother of daughter Ann (Annie) Loker, as well as grandmother to Beatrice Loker Burroughs, her survivors. Ann Wise Loker, nee Ann Elizabeth Wise, was born July 21, 1946 to parents Virginia Latham Wise and Charles Berkman (Buck) Wise. She was known from her earliest years for her love of animals, especially cats. In addition to a kind heart, she had a sharp mind. She was awarded a merit scholarship to attend St. John's College of Annapolis, Maryland, which unfortunately she was unable to take advantage of due to the death of her father, which required her to remain at home to assist her mother. She nonetheless put her intelligence and innovative abilities to excellent use in beginning a career in banking, starting at First National Bank in Leonardtown. Despite her youth and the hurdles of being female in a still male-dominated financial environment, she eventually rose to become branch manager at Maryland National Bank. During her working life, she also supported her husband in his career, raised a daughter, cared for her mother and other relatives, and participated in various community service groups. She married Aleck Loker in 1967. They welcomed a daughter in 1969, to whom they were outstanding parents. They were married for 55 years, a milestone admirable for its length and for the enduring affection and partnership evinced throughout. She loved to travel with husband Aleck, and they visited many countries over the years. They made beautiful, warm homes together first in Southern Maryland, then in Williamsburg, Virginia, and then in South Carolina. Ann had a passion for collecting which she put to good use decorating their homes. She was an avid genealogist, researching for her own family and for friends. Another interest was music, and some of her happy times included concerts by the Irish Tenors, who were her favorite musicians. In addition to caring for her family and community, her warm heart and sensitive soul found expression in loving the many cats who were part of the family over the years, and in supporting those who try to reduce the suffering of animals and people around the world. Her views always tended toward greater justice and inclusion. She was clever, witty, honest, kind, and generous. Ann was a truly beautiful person, and will be sorely missed by her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Central Kitchen (https://wck.org), or to the ASPCA (https://www.aspca.org).