Ann Capers Obituary

Surrounded by love, Ann Bateman Capers, 78 of Wayne, Pa. passed away peacefully on Friday, December 20, 2025. This loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, she will be missed immensely.

Ann was predeceased by her beloved parents, Barbara and Ted Bateman. She is survived by her devoted husband, John G. Capers, III; her loving siblings, Trish Krentel, Ted Bateman, and David Bateman; and her cherished daughters, Meggin Reed Capers, Betsy Capers Exley (married to Rev. David Exley), and Lauren Capers Ryan (married to Matthew Ryan). Known affectionately as Grammy, Ann's joy and love will forever be remembered by her four adored grandchildren: Emma and Leah Exley, and Jacob and Brooklyn Ryan.

Ann leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, adventure and spreading joy to all she encountered. The ultimate sports fan, scout and adventurer, actively involved in local charitable efforts, hostess and mother to all. Ann truly lived out her passions everyday. Born on February 20, 1946 in Chestnut Hill, Pa, Ann was a lifelong resident of Wayne, PA (with only a 3 year detour to Winnetka, Il.) A graduate of Radnor High School ('64) and Goldey-Beacom College of Wilmington, De. Ann was a member of the Jr. League of Philadelphia and Chicago, The Daughters of the American Revolution, President of The Wayne Public Safety Association, and many other philanthropic organizations over the years. Ann's love of a challenge and finding joy for others also led to an award-winning, 30 year career as a Real Estate Agent. Ann's portfolio was in the heart of the Main Line, but her favorite type of client was the "first time home buyer." She loved finding a young couple their first home and helping them begin an exciting new chapter in their lives.

Ann married John G. Capers III, of Bryn Mawr in the fall of 1971 and they became parents in 1974 when they welcomed their three girls over the next five years. Ann stepped beautifully into the role of mother to her girls and devoted all of her time to them as the ultimate Agnes Irwin School mom, Girl Scout Leader, Choir Mom at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Outdoor Adventure Coordinator at Oneka and Netimus Camps for Girls in the Poconos, Board Member at Randolph Macon College (Ashland, Va) all while never missing a game, a performance or an assembly for her girls' school, choir or teams. Ann was a road warrior and traveling to see her girls play took her from West Point, NY all the way down to southern Virginia and everywhere in between. She simply loved watching her girls in action.

As her girls finished up school, Ann refocused her passion back to her love of the game of golf. While she learned to play as a child at St. David's Golf Club in Wayne, Pa, she began spending much of her time with John at The Merion Golf Club. Her natural talent served her well on both the East and West course at Merion where she even had a hole-in-one. A contributing member to the Nine Holers, Bridge Club and Stitchers, Ann embodied the soul of so many Merion Members and will be the recipient of the coveted Spirit Award this May, for which she was selected to receive before we even knew she was sick.

One final role where Ann thrived was that of a grandmother. Her enormous heart and playful spirit made for the perfect giver of hugs, encouragement and quality time spent with her four grandchildren. Whether she was on the sidelines of a field hockey or baseball field in Pennsylvania or sitting front row for a stage performance in London Ontario, Grammy was going to be there to cheer them on.

While Ann was very committed to her family and her passions, many would often ask her, "why do you always just seem so happy and full of joy?" Ann would always smile and simply reply that it was her faith and love for Jesus that fueled her joy. She taught her girls how to live a faith-based life and led by example. She always had a song in her heart and smile on her face.

Ann's tremendous impact on countless people will leave a lasting impression for generations to come. A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, December 27th at 3pm at the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Attendees are encouraged to wear bright colors as our mom always did.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to:

Main Line Animal Rescue https://www.mlar.org/one-time-donation or

Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Youth Programs. https://onrealm.org/bmpc/-/form/give/online

If you are out of town and want to join the celebration of Ann's Life the Livestream link is: https://bmpc.org/livestream