Ann Josephine Whalen

Ann Josephine Whalen, 82, of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2025.

Born on April 7, 1942, in Marquette, Michigan, Ann was the daughter of the late Sally Flynn and Arnold VanThullenar.

Ann and her soul mate, Dean Whalen, began their life together in Madison, Wisconsin in 1961, where they raised 4 wonderful children before moving to South Carolina in 1989, one week before Hurricane Hugo. Ann ran the front office for Durst Family Medicine for several years and was loved by both doctors and patients. She then pursued another career and was committed to the Real Estate Business for over 30 years. Ann was Broker-in-Charge at Century 21, Coldwell Banker Realty, and finished her career at Charleston Real Estate Cafe. She was Realtor of the Year of Charleston in 2016 and was recently inducted into the inaugural class of the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors Distinguished Service Society. Ann served on many boards and exemplified integrity and an affinity for fostering long-term working relationships. 

Ann was very active and involved in community projects. She was very generous with her time, talent and treasure. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and hosted large Sunday dinners and family get-togethers. She was a dedicated wife and mother who always put family first. After her husband Dean passed away, Ann found love again at the age of 70 and married John Navarre. She was widowed again with John's passing but maintained her outlook on life based on faith and an open heart.

Every year she traveled to North Carolina to be a counselor at Camp Merry Times, a program for children with cancer that was near and dear to her heart. Ann also served on the board of Camp Rise Above that provides fun, life-changing camp experiences to children and young adults with serious illnesses, life challenges, and disabilities in South Carolina. 

Nimitz, her 80 lb. trained therapy dog, was her pride and joy! They visited elementary schools every week so the children with special needs could read to Nimitz. Ann was also extremely active in her church at St. Benedict. She served as a Eucharistic Minister and in the Women's Group. 

In addition to her parents, Ann is preceded in death by her first husband, Dean Whalen; her second husband, John Navarre and her brother, Ted VanThullenar.

Ann is survived by her children: Meghan Campbell and husband Ben of Summerville, Jeffrey Whalen and wife Victoria of Mt. Pleasant, Kevin Whalen and wife Terri of Johns Island, Sally Caldwell and husband Ryan of Isle of Palms; sisters, Gretchen Rossi and Kristine Rogers; and her 9 grandchildren: Aidan Campbell, Davis Caldwell, Ethan Caldwell, Zander Caldwell, Amanda Whalen, Sarah Whalen, Dalton Antley, Jack Antley, Luke Antley and two great-grandchildren, Hudson Gillette and Sawyer Antley. 

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 950 Darrell Creek Trail, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 31, 2025, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant. Inurnment will follow at the church columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Camp Rise Above at 2385 Cross Timbers Drive, Mt. Pleasant SC 29464.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884-3833.