Ann Perkins-Parrott (O’Brien) was born to Barbara (Miller) O’Brien and Chilton O’Brien in Beaumont, TX, on December 11, 1950. After growing up in Beaumont, Ann met Steve Perkins whom she married in 1971 and was the father to six of her seven biological children. In 1991, she moved to Durango with Steve and their five boys (Christopher, Steven, Robert, Benjamin, and Luke) and were eventually followed by both of Ann’s daughters (Dale, and Candice Freeman).

Following Steve’s passing in January 1999, Ann married Patrick Parrott in 2002 whom she loved and supported until his passing in 2004.

During her years in Durango, Ann owned several small businesses including Coyote Video and The Bookcase. In addition to these businesses, Ann helped launch the Durango Weekly newspaper and attended Fort Lewis College where she graduated with a self-designed degree in Socially Responsible Journalism.

After selling The Bookcase in 2015, Ann began subbing with School District 9-R and eventually became a paraprofessional at Escalante Middle School where she worked until March of 2024. Ann prided herself on providing guidance, support, and empathy to her students at Escalante.

In addition to her children, Ann is survived by her sister Ellen O'Brien as well as dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind the dear families of multiple beloved friends including: Jewelene Green, Evelyn McCurley (including Evelyn’s daughter Cheri Osuobeni who Ann considered her daughter), and Lori Jameson.

Beyond her direct relations, there are hundreds of others who Ann supported and loved like they were her own family and countless friends and acquaintances whose lives were forever brightened by her presence.

Ann’s dedication to being a light in a world so often filled with darkness is her definitive legacy.

She will always be remembered for her warmth, grace, humor, and the endless love she gave to the people in her life as well as her frequent reminders that “Life is rich and full of wonder. Always and in all ways.”

A graveside service for Ann will be held at the southern end of Greenmount Cemetery (block 11) on March 28, 2026, at noon where Ann will join Patrick in rest. A celebration of life will follow from 2-4 p.m. at Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio.