Ann Roulet, PhD

Dr. Ann E. Roulet devoted her life to her beloved family and to a distinguished career in the arts. After earning her B.A. from Toledo University and M.A./Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University, Ann was a literature professor for 35 years and Dean of Students for 10 years at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Students, colleagues, friends and family remember Ann for her exuberant laughter, intelligence, curiosity and generous hospitality. Roulet parties, receptions and family gatherings are warmly remembered.

Born in St. Joseph, Missouri to Mary Ann and Cloyd Edelen, she grew up in Syracuse, NY and Toledo, OH with one brother, Bill Edelen. She met her future husband, Norman Roulet, in high school. They were married for almost 60 years and Shaker Heights residents for 50 years. As avid art collectors and world travelers, Ann and Norm assembled a vast collection of ethnographic, modern and contemporary art. In 2012, they donated the majority of their collection to the Cleveland Institute of Art, to fund the Norman and Ann Roulet Student + Alumni Gallery. Both were generous philanthropists to Cleveland art institutions and the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.

She is survived by daughter Laura Roulet-Hernandez (Rafael Hernandez Mayoral) and son Norman L. Roulet III, as well as eight grandchildren: Chase, Alicia, Rafael, Grace, Kylie, Claes, Max-Xavier, and Clara.

The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in her name to The Cleveland Institute of Art, 11610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106.

There will be a Celebration of her life at a date and time to be announced.