Anne "Annie" Friedman Singer

Anne Friedman Singer of Chestertown, Maryland, formerly of Kinderhook, New York, passed away peacefully at home on April 9, 2026, surrounded by her family, after complications from an aggressive cancer. Annie, as she was affectionately known, was 62 years old. Born in Albany, New York, on April 21, 1963, to Victoria Smith Friedman and Herbert Marc Friedman, Annie spent her early years in Kinderhook, where she was surrounded by a loving family and many dear friends. From a young age, Annie demonstrated a deep love of horses and horsemanship through her involvement with the Old Chatham Pony Club. Riding her beloved horse, Gin Fizz, she became known among fellow Pony Club members for her energy, dedication, and constant motion. This early passion also reflected her lifelong compassion for animals. While attending Washington College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree, Annie met her future husband, David Singer, on a blind date to a fraternity party. That chance encounter grew into a 45-year love story filled with shared dreams, extensive travel, and a deep commitment to restoring their colonial home in Chestertown. In a moment that perfectly captured her independence and determination, Annie purchased their home herself while David was away on a business trip. Anne began her professional career as a Territory Manager for the American Red Cross, where she coordinated blood drives throughout downtown Baltimore. After three years, she chose to devote herself fully to raising her daughter, Ashley Kramer Singer, while also completing the requirements for her master’s degree in psychology at Washington College. When Ashley began middle school, Annie returned to professional life as the Administrator for the Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning (WCALL), a role she held for 14 years. During this time, she also gave generously of her time as District Commissioner for the Tuckahoe Pony Club, continuing her dedication to mentoring young riders. In 2011, a trip to Paris sparked a profound new chapter in Annie’s life. Inspired by a desire to understand how paintings are created, she began studying oil painting in 2012. What began as curiosity quickly grew into a passionate artistic practice. Encouraged by her first teacher, portraitist Scott Woolever, she went on to study with many accomplished artists, including Hai-Ou Hou, Rita Curtis, Palden Hamilton, Mary Pritchard, Abigail McBride, Tara Will, and Diane Rappisi. Through their guidance and her own discipline, Annie developed a distinctive artistic voice, continually refining her craft through classes, workshops, and demonstrations. Since 2012, Annie has received multiple awards for her artwork and was a member of numerous art organizations including the Maryland Pastel Society, Working Artists Forum, American Impressionists Society, Society of Animal Artists, and the International Association of Pastel Societies. She was also a founding member of the Blueberry Pie and Art Society in Chestertown. She viewed art not simply as a product, but as a journey, once reflecting: “Art is a process. A journey. Not one individual piece. It is built on all the pieces, even the really bad ones, that came before. And when they are all put together, you get to have a masterpiece.” Anne is survived by her devoted husband, David Singer, of Chestertown; a daughter, Ashley Singer; her father, Herbert Marc Friedman, Sr.; her brother, Herbert Marc Friedman, Jr. (Susan); her sisters, Ivette Alvarez (Carlos) and Yvonne Ramos and her brother-in-law Wesley Singer (Lucille). She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews: Rafael Hackett, Charles Alvarez, Benjamin Friedman, Zachary Friedman, and Kristen Singer; step nieces Krista Espinosa, Gina Bertolozzi, and Rachel Bradley; and many cherished friends. She was predeceased by her mother, Victoria Smith Friedman, M.D. A celebration of Annie’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Annie asked that donations be made to nonprofit organizations close to her heart. Please consider supporting Open Doors Partners in Education (www.opendoorsed.org) or The Cat Colloquium (www.catcolloquium.org), both located in Chestertown, Maryland. Most importantly, Annie requested that no trees be planted in her memory and that flowers not be sent, as they can be harmful to cats. www.fhnfuneralhome.com

Anne "Annie" Friedman Singer

April 21, 1963 - April 9, 2026