Ann Blinston, Gardens Buffalo Niagara Pioneer

Anne Blinston (1935-2020)

A generous gift from Ann’s estate is the latest bequest to Gardens Buffalo Niagara’s Living Gardens Legacy Society.

Ann Blinston (1935-2020), a remarkable woman born and raised in Hamburg, New York, has forged a path that we hope many others will follow. A generous gift from Ann’s estate is the latest bequest to Gardens Buffalo Niagara’s Living Gardens Legacy Society. 

Ann attended public schools in Hamburg and graduated from William Smith College in 1957. She subsequently earned graduate degrees from Buffalo State College and Syracuse University, and then worked as an elementary school teacher in a suburb of Syracuse until her retirement. 

Her best friend and traveling companion, Bettyann Kinyoun, wrote, “Ann was passionate about life; she had a great love for nature, animals, and the outdoors. She was an enthusiastic gardener and always willing to help others with their gardens, even up until just before her death.” 

Ann and Bettyann attended Garden Walk Buffalo several years ago. Ann was impressed by the impact Garden Walk and all Gardens Buffalo Niagara events were having on this region, and so she decided to include the organization in her estate plans.

Current members of the Living Gardens Legacy Society include: Cheryl Bell, Leslie and Jim Charlier, Catherine and Matt Lincoln, Cindy and Peter Loomis, Nikki Ronan, and Amy Vilz (deceased). 

Along with Ann, these generous folks believe in the power of natural beauty, and want to personally help ensure that Western New York continues to flourish as a vibrant center for gardens and community building for generations to come. We’d love to see more people join this special society; please consider joining them! If you would like to have your legacy reflect your passion for gardens and gardening, contact Catherine Lincoln, Gardens Buffalo Niagara board member and development chair at (716) 247-5004 or ccarrlincoln@gardensbuffaloniagara.com.