Ann L. Purpora, 82 of Hamden, passed away on Jan. 23, 2008 while visiting her son, Nicholas, in France. She was the daughter of the late William P. McCorkindale and Madeline Laurence McCorkindale of So.Hadley Falls, MA, and wife of the late Maurice J. Purpora, creator of the Sanford Barn in Hamden, CT (1947-1961). Born in Holyoke, MA, Ann graduated from Mt. Holyoke College in 1945 and came to New Haven to study medical illustration with Armin Hemberger, who held classes at the Sanford Barn where young Ann and Maury met. In 1968, the Purpora family moved from Hamden to Ireland where Ann became a master weaver and columnist for the Irish Country Women's Assoc. Back in the US, Ann sang with the New England Bach Festival Chorus for 13 years and worked for the Council on Aging in Brattleboro, VT. Maurice opened the Royal Yard Diner on Putney Rd. in Brattleboro and became an inspiration for Ben & Jerry's new business model. From 1988 till 2005, Ann sang with the Greater New Haven Community Chorus and the Hamden Festival Chorus. Ann is survived by six children: Joseph W. Purpora, husband of Jacqueline Hawley of NYC, Maura P. Davies, wife of Paul Davies of NYC, Nicholas C. Purpora, husband of Cecile L. Purpora of Carcassonne, France, Sarah L. Davis, wife of Frank Davis of Greensboro, NC, Christina M. Purpora of Calif., Felicia R. Adams, wife of Miceal Adams of Auckland, NZ, and son-in-law, Salvatore Gentile of East Haven, thirteen grandchildren and one great grandchild. Ann is predeceased by one daughter, Kari A. Gentile and two brothers, Lawrence and William McCorkindale. Ann was a member of the Alumnae Assoc. of Mt. Holyoke College, Assoc. of CT Choruses and the Women's Alumnae Assoc. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Sat., Feb. 9, 2008 at BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 WHITNEY AVENUE, HAMDEN. Friends may call on Friday from 4PM to 8PM. Donations may be sent to: Ann Purpora Memorial Fund, 10 Hillside Ave. #4E, New York, NY 10040.