Ann M. Krestensen

Ann M. Krestensen, 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Easton on July 12, 2024 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. She was born in Baltimore on April 4, 1939 and was the daughter of T. Denton Miller, Jr., an attorney and Baltimore Evening Sun reporter, and Viola McAvoy Miller, an artist and jewelry designer. Ann was raised in the Bolton Hill neighborhood of Baltimore. She attended Roland Park Country School and graduated from St. Mary’s Seminary School for Girls in Leonardtown, MD. Ann continued her studies at the Maryland Institute College of Art, graduating in 1960. She worked as a graphic designer for the Barton Gillette advertising agency in Baltimore until 1965 when she moved to Coconut Grove, Florida. In Coconut Grove, Ann began serious work in ceramic arts and she met and married Chris Krestensen. Shortly after marrying, Ann and Chris moved to Placitas, New Mexico. Ann’s artistic style was inspired and influenced by Native American cultures of the southwest. Her ceramic art was sold in galleries in Santa Fe and Albuquerque and for two decades she was active in the vibrant Santa Fe arts community. In 1991, after the death of her father, Ann returned to Maryland, purchasing a home on San Domingo Creek in Bozman. Continuing her career as a ceramic artist, Ann opened Ann Krestensen Studio and Gallery in St. Michaels which she operated successfully for several years. After selling the gallery, Ann taught ceramic arts at the Academy Art Museum. For the past ten years, Ann had been a resident of Easton Club. Throughout Ann’s adult life, her “babies” were her dogs. Until her last day, she could recite the names of her 11 babies. Ann is survived by her cousin Douglas McAvoy of Ashland, VA; second cousins Andrew Miller of Preston, Merrie Delauder of Easton, and Katey Goldberg of Greenwich, CT; life-long friend, Judy Whitman and her husband Bill of Chestertown; and loyal friend of 35 years, Tommy Parrot of Bozman. The family wishes to thank Barbara Parker, Sherry Lake and all of Ann’s caregivers who cared for her with patience, kindness, good humor and love. Family will receive visitors at the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 200 S. Harrison St. in Easton on August 15th from 3:30 to 4:30 pm and a celebration of life service will follow from 4:30 to 5:00.

Ann M. Krestensen

April 4, 1939 - July 12, 2024