Ann Elizabeth Schluederberg

On March 22, 2026, Dr. Ann Snider Schluederberg, Sc.D, a devoted mother, distinguished immunologist, accomplished musician, passionate sailor, and gifted artist, passed away peacefully at Tidewell Hospice House in Bradenton, Florida, surrounded by family and memories of a long life well lived. She and her husband Richard were lovingly cared for by Manuela Espinosa, their friend for fifteen years.

Ann was born in Detroit MI on May 31, 1929, to Carle J. Snider and Vera P. Allport. Raised in Ohio, Ann graduated from Circleville High School, where her academic excellence and musical talent first blossomed. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences at The Ohio State University and was in the Delta Gamma (ΔΓ) sorority. She then pursued a doctorate in virology at Johns Hopkins University, where she began publishing research on viral immunology and host immune responses.

Her scientific career spanned several of the nation’s leading research institutions. At Johns Hopkins and later at the University of Maryland and then Yale University, Ann conducted pioneering research on rubella and measles viruses, contributing to early vaccine development and expanding global understanding of these infectious diseases. She authored and co-authored influential scientific publications that helped shape the fields of virology and immunology during a pivotal time in vaccine science.

Ann later joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she rose to become Chief of the Virology Branch, overseeing major research programs, particularly in the area of chronic fatigue syndrome research, and providing national leadership in the field of virology.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ann was a lifelong lover of music and the arts. A talented pianist and violinist, she was a founding member of the Columbia Orchestra in Howard County, Maryland, helping establish the ensemble and performing during its early seasons. Ann was also a member of the Baltimore Watercolor Society.

Ann and her husband, Richard F. Schluederberg, shared a love for sailing and the outdoors. As lifelong members of the Gibson Island Yacht Squadron, they spent countless days sailing and racing their boats, Serendipity and Scot Free as well as Stars as longtime members of the Chesapeake Bay Star fleet.

Summers in Connecticut were filled with family sailing adventures, where Ann and Dick, along with their children, enjoyed racing 420s and Ensigns at the Noroton Yacht Club, forging lifelong memories on Long Island Sound.

In the winter months, Ann and Dick turned to ice dancing at Yale University and the Baltimore Figure Skating Club, gracefully mastering intricate dance routines and sharing many joyful hours together on the ice.

After retirement, Ann and Dick moved to Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island FL where Ann continued to embrace her lifelong passion for the arts. She was an accomplished watercolor and digital artist with her work and photography featured in local studios and galleries, capturing the vibrant colors and natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast and wildlife. She played violin in the Anna Maria Island Community Orchestra and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Sarasota Ballet and Sarasota Orchestra.

Together, Ann and Dick raised five children: Suzanne (John Lesko), Rick, Jeff (Susan), Peter (Jacqueline), and Scott (Holly), filling their home with music, learning, adventure, and love. Her family grew to include seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

Ann Schluederberg will be remembered for her deep devotion to family, her scientific vision and leadership, her artistic and musical talents, and her generous, adventurous spirit that touched so many lives.