Ann Nadeau Britton

Northview - North Mankato Mortuary
2060 Commerce Drive
North Mankato, MN 56001
507-388-2288

Ann Nadeau Britton, age 77, of North Mankato passed away after a long battle with Multiple Systems Atrophy on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at Oak Terrace Assisted Living, North Mankato. She showed remarkable grace and courage during the slow disease process and was a source of strength for her family to the end. This disease ultimately crippled her body, but never conquered her beautiful spirit. Ann's life was full of love, beauty, and music.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 21, 2012 at Belgrade Avenue United Methodist Church, North Mankato. Private family burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, St. Peter. Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m., Sunday at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato and will continue one hour before service at the church on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a charity of your choice in Ann's name.

Ann Louise Brainerd was born July 2, 1934 in Holyoke, Massachusetts to Robert and Marian (Britton) Brainerd and raised in South Hadley where she showed early prowess as a pianist. Ann attended the prestigious Oberlin School of Music, after which she traveled to Paris on a one year scholarship. She spent a year there performing and studying, and worked as rehearsal pianist for the famous flutist, Jean-Pierre Rampal. When she returned to the United States she received her Master's Degree from the University of Illinois - Champaign, where she met a handsome fellow pianist named Robert Nadeau. The two married and ultimately headed the piano department in the school of music at Mankato State University. Ann also taught piano at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. Ann went on to receive her Doctorate from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Ann was a gifted teacher and performer, often bringing her audiences to tears with her soulful performances of Bach, Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, and especially Chopin. Her teaching continued after her retirement in 1991, and many of her students remained devoted to her long after moving on. Ann was a wonderful loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved gardening, swimming, traveling, scrabble, crossword puzzles, lobster, and spending time with friends and family.

Ann is survived by her ex-husband, Robert Nadeau of North Mankato; five children, Andrea Nadeau of North Mankato, Jeffrey Nadeau of Chanhassen, Amy Nadeau of Shakopee, Tracy (Gary) Day of North Mankato, Robert (Rachel) Nadeau of Maple Grove; five grandchildren, Jessica and Joshua Day of North Mankato, Nathaniel (Shaina) Nadeau of Tucson, AZ, Robert and Charles Nadeau of Maple Grove; two great-grandchildren, Tristan and Liam Nadeau; sister, Frances Carpenter of South Hadley, MA; special friends, Marilyn Birbeck and Florence Sponberg both of North Mankato; many extended family and close friends.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, David and Robert Brainerd; and many friends.

Ann will be remembered by countless students, acquaintances, and strangers who were moved by her music, her generosity, and infectiously uplifting personality. She will be greatly missed.