Ann Zercher

Ann Lee Zercher, nee Bernstein age 102 passed away peacefully in Chicago Tuesday August 5th, 2025.  Ann grew up in Beaver Falls PA.  She earned her nursing baccalaureate at Duquesne University.  Ann moved to Chicago to start her long career as a Nursing Administrator and went on to receive her master’s degree at the University of Chicago.  Ann was a pioneer in the development of the nursing profession. She was director of nursing at Weiss Memorial Hospital, West Suburban Hospital, and finished her administration career leading nursing at the University of Chicago Hospital.  Ann served on many committees and agencies; all focused on strengthening the nursing profession.  Following her retirement from nursing administration, Ann worked in nursing case management in her 70’s, 80’s and (remarkably) early 90’s.

She is preceded in death by her husband Dr. Mario Zercher and her 4 siblings, Katherine Elman, Margaret Schuler, Joanne Taylor and Edward Bernstein.  She is survived by her son Brian Zercher, her daughter and husband Ingrid and Charles Hebel and her granddaughter Nicole Hebel.  Ann was loving, passionate, memorable, and impactful on the lives of so many.  We will smile because of her, be guided by her, be stronger because of her and we will miss her always and forever.

A Visitation will be held Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago. Funeral Service Friday, August 15, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.  Interment All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL.  For information 773-736-3833.