Obituary of Ann Karlsen Freud

Ann Karlsen Freud, 94

Ann Freud was born on September 27, 1931, in New Britain, CT.  Ann passed on quietly in her sleep, at home, after a brief illness, on August 11, 2026, in Littleton, Colorado.

The child of Norwegian immigrants, Ann was of humble, modest character and lived a life of kindness and accomplishment.  She said her favorite time in life was raising her two boys, as they shared a strong bond.  After raising her boys, she attained her master’s degree and became a pioneer in public access television, working at Fairfax County Public Access Television in Virginia from the early days when it was a start-up until her retirement in her mid-70’s.

Ann edited several books about the immigrant experience, taught English as a second language, and even learned to teach Braille, all in support of helping others assimilate.

Throughout her life, Ann appreciated art and beauty.  She demonstrated a natural gift for painting, pottery, textiles, and photography.  In her 30s, Ann produced dozens of pottery pieces, using her in-home potter’s wheel and kiln. Some pieces of her pottery were later displayed in an exhibit featuring local artists at the Smithsonian Institution.

In her last big move, Ann decided to leave her Annandale, Virginia, home to move to Colorado, where she spent the last 10 years of her life near her son William and her grandchildren.  

Ann was predeceased by her brother Gustav E. Karlsen and son Eric R. Freud.  She is survived by her son William H. Freud and her two grandchildren, Eric W. Freud and Pauline R. Freud. 

She is also remembered fondly by her dear friends and family in Colorado and on the East Coast.

There will be a remembrance gathering for Ann Freud at the home of William Freud in Denver, Colorado, on September 27, 2026, from 1 to 3 pm. 

On October 17, 2026, at 1 pm, Ann Freud will be laid to rest at National Memorial Park in Falls Church, Virginia. 

Following the graveside memorial service, there will be a gathering in Ann’s memory at the Annandale, Virginia, American Legion Hall. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your preferred charity in Ann’s name.