Ann Follett

Ann Follett (née Lavella), age 77, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026, in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

Born on September 7, 1948, in Chester, Pennsylvania, Ann was the daughter of the late Virginia D'Angelo and Thomas Lavella. She spent many years living in Claymont, Delaware, and Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, before making Newtown Square her home in recent years.

Ann shared 36 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Eugene "Cookie" Follett, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Lavella.

For more than 50 years, Ann worked as a waitress at restaurants throughout the Delaware Valley. She began working at just 18 years old and truly loved what she did. Ann took great pride in her work, but what she loved most were the people. Her customers often became lifelong friends.

Ann had a gift for making others feel heard. She was a genuine listener who cared deeply about people and always wanted to know how they were doing. She rarely made the conversation about herself, choosing instead to focus on others. Her warm heart, kind spirit, and boisterous laughter will be remembered by everyone fortunate enough to know her. It was easy to feel comfortable around Ann—within minutes of meeting her, you felt like you had known her for years.

Ann is survived by her loving daughter, Maria Buckman (Daniel) of Newark, Delaware; her sister, Virginia Howard (Quentin) of Exton, Pennsylvania; her brothers, Samuel Lavella (Heather) of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, and Frank D'Angelo (Eileen) of Glenolden, Pennsylvania; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A private burial will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pennsylvania SPCA at https://www.pspca.org/ in Ann's memory.

Ann's greatest legacy was the way she made people feel—welcomed, valued, and cared for. Her kindness, infectious laugh, and love for people will be deeply missed and forever remembered.