Ann Miller Chastain

Madison – Ann Miller Chastain, age 62, passed peacefully on Friday, May 4, 2012 at her home surrounded by family. Ann was born on September 22, 1949 in Cumberland, WI and was the daughter of John and Corinne Miller.

Ann is survived by her husband and soul mate Gerald “Woody” Chastain and their dog Tucker; her children Gillian Smith of New York City, Damon (Shannon) Smith of Butte, MT and Barney Chastain of Madison; her mother Corinne Miller of Madison; and her siblings, Kurt Miller of Oro Vall ey, AZ and Katie Freeman of Carson City, NV. She was preceded in death by her father John Miller.

Ann graduated from UW/Madison in 1974 with a major in dance. She was a talented choreographer who informed all she did with an eye for design. Ann was an astute business person. She established a successful dress shop, “Absolutely Annies”, in Cumberland that was popular locally and with customers from the Twin Cities. On moving to Madison in 1987, Ann was manager of Yost’s Hilldale. She then took a position as account representative at Triple-M FM, and enjoyed promoting her love of rock and blues. Following Triple M, Ann became Sales Manager of Madison Magazine. For two years Ann established an independent LLC, whose primary client was the Madison Chamber Orchestra. In 2006, Ann accepted the position of full-time Marketing Director for the Madison Symphony Orchestra. This was Ann’s “dream job” that allowed her to devote full time to the promotion of fine art.

Ann’s passion for the support and furthering of the performing arts, all things relating to “politics”, her advocacy for the role of women in our society, and her enjoyment of the beauty of nature, especially flowers, carried her through her rich and vibrant life. The legacy of her love and courage are forever carried in the hearts of her family and friends.

A gathering of Ann’s family, friends, and colleagues will be held to celebrate the beauty of her life in the Promenade Hall and Terrace at the Overture Center in Madison on Wednesday, May 9th at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Madison Symphony Orchestra and A Fund for Women.