Anne Oldham Willard, a native of Cleveland and a resident of Spanish Fort, died Friday, Nov. 2, 2007 at Mobile Infirmary.
She was born Aug. 4, 1916, the daughter of the Rev. John L. Oldham and Olga Caroline Wellington Oldham.
She received a B.A. degree from Rollins College and a degree in physical therapy from the University of Wisconsin School of Physical Therapy.
She served as first lieutenant in the U.S. Army for six years, 1940 through 1946. She served as chief physical therapist at many hospitals, including head physical therapist for Crippled Children’s Services of Alabama from 1954-1957.
She organized and directed physical therapy departments or Crippled Children’s Society in Mineral Wells, Texas, Flow Memorial Hospital and Collin Memorial Hospital in Mckinney, Texas.
She loved animals and rescued many neglected or abused animals. She was a skilled rider, performing in rodeos and horse shows. Another avocation of hers was raising and showing Harlequin Great Danes. One of her dogs, Romeo, won many blue ribbons.
She moved to Spanish Fort Aug. 5, 2007 from Fairview, Texas, where she had lived for 30 years. She was a lifelong Episcopalian.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leland H. Willard.
Survivors include a sister, Margaret Oldham Solberger; two step-children, Dorothy Wilson and Byron Willard; and five grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Daphne at a later date.
Arrangements are by Hughes Cremation & Funeral Services, Daphne.
