The Life of Dr. Ann T. Gundry
Ann Tucker Gundry, Ed.D., 87, Professor Emerita at Kutztown University, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 27, 2022 in her Rockland Township residence. She was born in Baltimore, MD, and was a daughter of the late Lewis P. and Margaret (Winterson) Gundry.
Ann was a dedicated educator, a staunch feminist, an advocate for the underprivileged, and a guardian of our environment. She was a gifted pianist, avid bird watcher, lifetime athlete and a loyal friend.
Ann began her education at Roland Park Country School, continuing at Wheaton College and then New England Conservatory of Music before graduating from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in music. She later graduated from Kutztown University with a master’s degree in psychology, followed by her graduation from Columbia Teachers College, New York City, where she earned a second master’s degree in physical education and a Doctor of Education degree in motor learning.
Dr. Gundry served as a professor in the department of physical education at Kutztown University for 37 years until her retirement in 2004. She spearheaded the creation of the Women's Center and Women’s Study Program there, created several student scholarships, and was active in the faculty union, APSCUF. Gundry established the Dr. Constance P. Dent and Dr. Ann T. Gundry Distinguished Speaker Series in collaboration with the Kutztown University Women’s Center and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies program.
Ann worked as a tutor for adult education, trapped/neutered/released countless feral cats, and gave generously to programs for the conservation of land in our area. She was also a charter member of the Reading Chapter of the National Organization for Women.
Ann was predeceased by her beloved wife, Constance Penn Dent, on May 29, 2018, and a brother, Richard Gundry of California and her parents.
She is survived by a sister, Parker Gundry Trostel of Minneapolis, MN; nieces and nephews; and the many friends who loved her.
A reception to celebrate and honor Ann's life will be held at Kutztown University, on the Old Main Concourse from 4:00-6:00 pm on her birthday, Monday, April 18, 2022.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Peaceable Kingdom, P.O. Box 424, Whitehall, PA 18052, a local no-kill animal shelter that Ann and Connie adopted several pets from.
Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.
Filter Dr. Ann T. Gundry's Timeline by the following Memory Categories
2022.04.01
in honor of a fine lady
Dr. Gundry (Ann) was smart, talented, kind, and brave! She was dedicated to her students, her family and friends, and her causes of women's rights and care for the environment. She was a valued colleague of mine at Kutztown University for some thirty years. She will be deeply missed. With my sympathy to her family and friends, Lisa Ladd-Kidder (May her name be a blessing!)
2022.04.02
A Mentor
Ann was a kind, caring and professional mentor as I began my years at Kutztown University. She was very supportive of younger faculty colleagues and a straight shooter in conversation. I still remember, 30 years later, how she followed me out to the parking lot after my interview and stated that she wanted me to come to teach at K.U. One of the joys of knowing Ann is that we could disagree on many issues, and we did(!), yet she was still supportive and chaired my tenure and promotion committees. She was quite a lady!
2022.04.07
One of a Kind
Ann was not only my colleague but also my close friend. We taught the Introduction to Womens' Studies course together. People on the KU campus knew her as a passionate advocate of so many just causes: the rights of students and faculty, the rights of women, children, animals and the LBGQT community. In this respect, she was years ahead of her time. And she was stead-fast in her activism. But they did not know that her first degree was in music, and she was a talented pianist. Yes, she was one of a kind and this world needs more Ann Gundrys.
2022.04.19
Always Spoke Her Mind
Ann was a straight talker and a keen observer of humans. She championed women's rights and always sought the promotion of the females she knew and respected. Ann never minced words and spoke her intentions plainly. She was an advocate for women and girls and always wanted an update on my daughter's life, athletics, grades and interests. Ann truly cared about those in her life and she loved animals deeply. She lived an alternative lifestyle before the term was coined and eventually was able to marry the love of her life. Ann's biting criticism and sharp wit will always be remembered and feared by some. She was a passionate force to be reckoned with and has left a huge legacy of students, colleagues and friends who loved and revered her at Kutztown University. The Constance P. Dent and Ann T. Gundry Speaker's Colloquia through the KU Women's Center will be a fitting tribute to two great women through the decades to come.
2022.04.19
Giving me the courage to be strong as a woman
Dr. Gundry was an influencial woman by just being who she was. I took both American Women in Sport and History of Women classes in the early 70's. I also took Dr. Dent's Pschology class. I learned so many things that gave me the strength to be a stronger woman in my entire life. I just saw our KU newsletter and thought to myself "I know that name, I remember her, she helped me go out in the world and lead." I just want to say... thank you Kutztown (State College) University for being so forward thinking and embracing these women with their pioneering philosophies that today seem commonplace, but back then were radical. Well done.