Ann Gabrielson Buerger

Like all of us, my life is filled with many chapters…a few challenging but most rewarding.
Upon marrying my college sweetheart in 1971, we enjoyed many incredible experiences together, the best being the birth of our daughter, Stefanie (Stevie) August 3, 1978. Sadly, we divorced in 1981. Luckily, I was offered my old teaching job back in Nashua, NH. (I had lived there with my husband for 3 years and it became my favorite place) And, so…my 3 year old daughter and I moved from Lombard, IL, to Nashua, NH, where I continued to teach for the next 28 years.
In 1988, I was granted a Fulbright Teacher Exchange position outside Manchester, England. This experience was one of the most exciting and rewarding adventures Stevie and I have ever had. We traveled extensively throughout Europe, many times staying in youth hostels that were old mansions, churches, and mills. The children I taught at the Godfrey Ermen Church of England in Eccles, England, were pure angels! They called me “Miss”. Love them!!
In 2009, I retired from teaching. Since then, my chapters continue.
My passion for fitness led me to my dream job of working part time at a friend’s fitness studio, SLS FITNESS SPORTS AND CONDITIONING, teaching TRX, Surfset Fitness (workouts on surfboards), yoga, aerial yoga, pilates, boxing with hot pink and lime green gloves, core conditioning, and strength conditioning. Getting paid to play - how much better can it get!
A bit of a set back came in 2012 when I was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma. After the tumor was removed, I received chemoradiotherapy at Massachusetts General Hospital. With the support of my incredible family, friends, and my “dream team” at MGH, I am now labeled as “NED” - no evidence of disease. Life is so good!!
Within the past few years, I’ve cycled through Tuscany, picked up the game of golf, moved to my little piece of Heaven - Newburyport, MA, and, most rewarding, watched my Sweetie Stevie B, the most important part of my life, get married. She and her wonderful husband, live in Oakland, CA, where she works for Kaiser Permenente - an HMO, and he works for an international import export company. Even though she lives 3,000 miles away, we stay connected, supporting each other in every way possible. She is always there for me and I for her. We have an unconditional love and respect for one another.
I do some volunteering but feel I can always do more. I'm part of a team that fundraises for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital...an incredible place where miracles do happen. I also volunteer at our local food bank, and at MGH in the proton therapy department.
Due to not enjoying extreme cold and ice, I now live in Largo, FL.

Not a story but a great memory..."Twistin' Harvey and the Seven Sounds" - Friday Night after the football games.