Obituary of Ann Elaine Giombetti

Ann Elaine Giombetti, nee Howells passed away peacefully on September 8, 2023 in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. She was 86 years old.

Ann was born in Cowbridge, Wales on February 21, 1937. She and her sister Lynne and brother Warwick grew up on the grounds of a hospital where their mother was head nurse and their father an administrator.  Ann was a gifted musician, playing piano from an early age and eventually attending the Royal Academy of Music in London, England. Her musical talent opened the door for her lifelong passion of traveling the world. 

She had an adventurous and independent spirit, and booked passage as the pianist on a ship bound for America. It was on this ship that she met Rudolph Fischer who was the entertainment director on board. The two traveled and taught extensively in the United States, eventually marrying and settling down in Vienna, Austria where she and Rudy had two children, Markus and Pia.

After Rudy and Ann divorced, Ann met Jerry Giombetti, with whom she shared many years of happy marriage. Jerry and Ann lived in Brussels, Belgium, eventually moving to Jerry’s native Minnesota, settling in Bloomington. Here they shared many happy years along with Jerry’s children Tony, Gina, Tracy and Steve.

Throughout her life in Minnesota, Ann continued to pursue her passion for globe trotting, accompanying Jerry on trips all over the world as well as volunteering at the Children’s Orchestra and Russian Museum of Art in Minneapolis.  

Ever outgoing and engaging, Ann made many friends around the world as she was known for her eccentric dress and eclectic style.  Ann was fun loving, dashing, and gutsy and truly had an exuberance for life.   She loved her family more than anything else, and reveled in being able to see them as much as she could.

Ann is survived by her sister Lynne and her children Melissa, Nathan and Paul who reside in England;  her son Markus and his family (wife Beth, grandchildren Alex and Nikolas and bonus grandchildren Adam and Kate) and daughter Pia (husband Michael).  She is also survived by her step children Tracy, Gina, and Tony.  Passing before her was her husband Jerry, her step son Steve, and her brother Warwick. She was a beloved mother, a dear aunt, a wonderful grandmother and great friend to many. Her life was celebratory and impactful, and she will be missed by the many people who loved her.