Designer Ann Kenkel, 1956-2019

Ann Kenkel died March 11 after a brief battle with cancer at the age of 62.

She was the owner of Ann Kenkel Interiors in Washington, D.C., known for its elegant, up-to-date designs and impressive list of clients. Kenkel’s 30-year-old design firm included architectural renovation design, pre-construction planning, 3-D photorealistic drafting and staging. Kenkel lived on 37th Street in Burleith.

While her talents were much appreciated, it was the woman that impressed all whom she met, befriended and loved. Kenkel’s family and friends are devastated by the loss of an earthy angel, they say, who now has added to the glory of heaven.

There were many involved with Kenkel during her last days, as Elissa Jackson wrote to “Friends of Our Beloved Ann”:

“Ever the entertainer and hostess extraordinaire, Ann hoped for a fabulous party in celebrating her life. Several have offered to host a memorial service for her and we are so appreciative of the kind and generous offers. However, Coleman and some friends discussed a Celebration of Life gathering at the Chevy Chase Club in the next couple of months when the weather is a bit more pleasant. Once a date is set and plans are finalized, details will be announced. Every effort will be made to create the kind of celebration that Ann would have loved …

“While these emails may come from me, I must let you know that there is actually a chorus of angels that have been by Ann’s side all along this tragic journey. Some drove Ann to appointments. Others sat with her or visited her at the hospital, and still other friends spent hours or days preparing Ann’s house for a Welcome Home that, sadly, did not happen. There were friends that helped research the best doctors, treatments and hospitals. Some tracked down CBD oil or air ambulance and private plane transportation options. There were some who graciously shared an abundance of research material in alternative medicine treatments. Many of you sent encouraging texts written with heartfelt love, while others left sweet voicemails. And, of course, all of you prayed fervently for a miracle. Whoever coined the phrase, ‘It takes a village,’ must have experienced something along the lines of what we all did together for Ann. There were no coincidences about how things or people’s talents and availability fell into place. God designed this plan for our favorite, beautiful, multi-talented designer, Ann.”