Ann Dobrovolny

Ann Dobrovolny passed away on February 2, 2021, at her home in Grand Junction Colorado.  She was 66 years old.  Ann was born on February 15, 1954 in Denver Colorado.  Her parents, both deceased, were Ernest and Elsie Dobrovolny.  Ann is survived by two older brothers, Peter Dobrovolny, living in Tucson, AZ, and Paul Dobrovolny, living in Windsor, CO.  Ann’s younger brother David died of natural causes at the age of 34.  Ann grew up in Denver, CO and graduated from South High School 1973.  Ann volunteered at the Denver Botanical Garden for a number of years.

Ann married Hank Braaksma in 1975 after working together at Craig Rehabilitation Hospital in Englewood Co. They were married for almost 25 years. During that time Ann and Hank were the resident site managers for two Girl Scout Mile Hi Council camps, a total of over 75 acres in the foothills just west of Denver for 23 years.

When Ann and Hank separated, Ann earned a degree as a Veterinarian Assistant, graduating first in her class. She moved to Grand Junction, purchasing a residence in the country on a five-acre lot with the assistance of her friend, Pam Pine (Downs) of Glenwood Springs.  Ann had a passion for large dogs and over time had four Bernese Mountain dogs.

Initially in Grand Junction Ann was an agent for Mountain Winds & Ocean Breezes Investments, then worked for K2 Taxi in 2012 until 2015 when she became a dispatcher for the Sunshine Rides taxi service, where she worked until the COVID-19 pandemic terminated her employment in early 2020.