Teacher and school counselor was the life of any party, with an uncanny knack for showing up on the Jumbotron at sporting events Ann Marian Rock left this life peacefully on September 18, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Though small in stature, Ann was larger than life, and this tiny lady will leave a gigantic void in all of our lives. Ann was born in Burlington, Vt., on July 23, 1954. She was the youngest child of Kenneth and Ermilda (Mistrangelo) Rock, who instilled in her an incredible work ethic, strong Catholic faith and a deep love of family. These values were the pillars of Ann’s life. She spent a wonderful childhood on Henry Street surrounded by a close-knit community, including her second family and longtime neighbors, the Remicks. In Hilah Remick Clarke, Ann had a best friend and constant partner in crime. They were together even to the end. Ann attended Mater Christi School and graduated from Rice Memorial High School in 1972. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history and education from the University of Vermont in 1976. Ann believed deeply in the words of Robert F. Kennedy, that “the purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.” Heeding that call of service, Ann joined VISTA following her graduation from UVM. She left Vermont to begin a 45-year residence in New Jersey, first teaching history at Universal High School and Bound Brook Adult High School. She also taught in the Somerset County Jail, helping many inmates earn their GEDs. Ann earned a master’s degree in counseling from Rutgers University, became a school counselor for young people with special needs at Central Valley Middle School and later finished her career at Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School. Ann was an outspoken member of the NJ Educational Association, where she fought tirelessly for the rights of children, teachers and other working people. Anyone who knew Ann in her career knew that she was a small woman with a big voice. During her sojourn in Jersey, Ann made many dear friends, especially Pat and Robert Albers. She met and fell in love with Paul Dyer, with whom she spent 10 happy years. She was an active member of the community in her adopted hometown of Somerville. Throughout her life, Ann spent summers in Vermont and was the devoted caretaker of her parents in their later years. She was always accompanied by her faithful canine companions, Dusty and Camille. She was the family historian, event photographer and chief storyteller. Ann…