Ann-Terry D'Andre Passed away peacefully at her home in San Francisco on November 11, 2008 at the age of 91. Born on November 8, 1917 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, she spent her earlier years in Boston and New York City where she began her career as a professional singer. She was a protégé of John Hammond and performed with many bands, including Benny Goodman where she competed with Peggy Lee for lead singer. She often quipped that Ms. Lee was chosen because she was blonde. Her early stage name was Terri Andre. She moved with her family to San Francisco in the early 1940's and continued her career as a singer, performing at numerous clubs and hotels throughout the Bay Area. She married William Thornton, a Merchant Marine Officer, in 1946. Their wedding was the talk of the town, as both were well known in San Francisco. The best man was Harry Bridges, head of the I.L.W.U., and the maid of honor was Mayris Chaney Martin, a close friend of Eleanor Roosevelt. Although their marriage ended, they remained good friends until Bill's passing in 2001. At a time when few women attended college, Terry received her B.A., from SF State in 1946. She would later return and receive her Master's Degree in 1966. She changed her stage name to Ann Terry in the late 1950's and continued performing until the mid-1960's. She was very active in the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA), rising to Western Regional Representative of the union. Her last major engagement was at Goman's Gay 90's in San Francisco. She then began her second career as a Juvenile Probation Officer for the City/County of San Francisco, where she specialized in the care of abused children. She loved helping the children and their families, and retired from the City in the mid-1980's. She is survived by her only child, Barry Thornton (Karen); a granddaughter, (Cecily Thornton-Stearns & Richard); and three great grandchildren (Amara, Isabella and Jackson). She is also survived by her brother Joseph D'Andre) and sisters Dolores Grant and Diane D'Andre, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She spent her final years very happily in the family home in the Richmond District, the sire of many family get-togethers over the years. Her caregiver, Philomena Joseph, deserves special recognition for her loving devotion and service. It was fitting that Terry passed away on Veteran's Day as she spent many Veteran's Days entertaining our troops at military bases and VA facilities. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and deeply loved her family. A Celebration of her life will be held at the San Francisco Columbarium on Monday, November 17, 2008 at 10:00 AM, located at One Loraine Court in SF.

This article appeared on page Z - 99 of the San Francisco Chronicle