Ann M. Gross Birch

August 11, 1943 - January 22, 2017

BURNT HILLS – Ann Birch, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2017 surrounded by her loving family at Mountain Valley Hospice in Gloversville. Ann was born on August 11, 1943 to the late Walter and Mary Gross in Schenectady, she was one of 11 children. Ann courageously battled Scleroderma for 31 years and lung cancer for 3 years. Ann was a great role model. She was always giving and caring. She was very brave and strong, a good friend to many. She will be greatly missed. Ann was predeceased by her brothers, Edward P. Gross and Robert C. Gross, a sister, Catherine 'Kay' (Carl) Olszewski; a sister-in-law, Rona Gross, two brothers-in-law, Steve Sosnowski, and William Haines. She is survived by her devoted son, Gary D. Birch, and his wife Melissa; two step-grandsons, Bradley and Bryce, all of Burnt Hills; her brothers, John H. Gross, Walter (Patricia) Gross, Jr., all of Schenectady, Richard (Lorie) Gross, of Glenville and Larry Gross, of Rotterdam; her sisters, Alice Sosnowski and Sylvia Haines, all of Schenectady, Linda (John) Stuart and their children, Jessi and Buddy all of Wells; sisters-in-law, Carolyn and Janice Gross; many nieces and nephews also survive. Services will be held privately at Ann's request. Burial will be held in Holy Cross Cemetery, Rotterdam. Memorial contributions may be made in Ann's name to the Steffens Scleroderma Foundation, Box 38037, Albany NY 12203or Mountain Valley Hospice,108 Steele Ave., Gloversville, NY 12078. For online condolences please visit www.rossiditorofuneralhome.com