Little League® International mourns the passing of Ann Chadwick, a 50-year Little League volunteer, and the wife of Junior Softball World Series Director, John Chadwick. She was 83.
Mrs. Chadwick began her volunteer service to Little League in 1969, shortly after registering her son, Doug, to play Tee Ball while the family was living in Mims, Florida. After three years of volunteering as a team mom and concessionaire, she became the concession stand’s chief buyer and was elected Vice President of the Mims Little League Women’s Auxiliary.
In 1976, the Chadwicks relocated to Bellevue, Washington. Shortly after, she continued to volunteer in support of her husband, who had been elected as President of the Bellevue Thunderbird Little League. In the capacity of League Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. Chadwick formed the league’s first Women’s Auxiliary. Under her leadership, the Women’s Auxiliary prepared home-made food items and sold them out of the trunk of her car during games. The money generated was donated to the league.
“Ann Chadwick was synonymous with Little League in the state of Washington,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League International’s President and CEO. “In her heart, Mrs. Chadwick was truly about what was best for the kids.”
Mr. Chadwick was elected as Washington District 9 Administrator after four years as Bellevue Thunderbird Little League President. Mrs. Chadwick assumed the responsibilities of District Secretary, Treasurer, and Concession Advisor and stayed in those roles for 34 years. For many years, she was also the Tournament Director for all Washington District 9 softball tournaments.
Through the years, the Chadwicks made several trips east to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for the Little League Baseball World Series. Mrs. Chadwick was a fixture at Little League International functions, while her husband served a three-year term as a member of the Little League International Board of Directors. She and her husband also spent many summers volunteering during the Western Region Baseball tournaments in San Bernardino, California.
“Ann was a selfless woman, and a dedicated wife and mother, who personalized the Little League experience for the children in Bellevue Thunderbird Little League, District 9, and her extended family at the annual Junior Softball World Series,” said Mr. Keener. “For nearly 50 years, she provided great council and immense support to her husband and family. We miss her, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”
In 1998, Little League Softball® expanded its World Series tournaments to include the Junior Softball Division. Mr. Chadwick was selected as host for the event played in Kirkland, Washington. Stepping up again, Mrs. Chadwick organized and operated the tournament’s first concession stand. She eventually added a World Series ice cream stand that she managed for 20 years.
Mrs. Chadwick is survived by her husband, John; son, Doug; daughter, Lori Brownell; and seven grandchildren, Tamara Hoerth, Leanna Brownell, Lindsey Brownell, Rachel Brownell, David Chadwick, Sarah Chadwick and Emily Chadwick.