Ann Adair Martin Brodie, 92, a native of Pensacola and long-term resident of Gulf Breeze, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family. She was the wife of Scott Brodie (who preceded her in death in 2011), the mother of three children, and a beloved grandmother, family member, community supporter, and friend. Ann was born on January 19, 1926 in Pensacola where she attended local schools P.K. Yonge, A.V. Clubbs, and Pensacola High School. After graduation, Ann attended Mary Baldwin College in Stanton, VA before graduating from the University of Alabama, as did her father, R.G. Martin.
Ann's degree in communications prepared her well for an exciting career in media. As an adventurous young single woman, she loved living and working in New York City. She traveled by train to and from work in the Rockefeller Center building, and at one point, set a goal to see every show that opened on Broadway. This was the beginning of Ann's love for theatre and the arts.

Ann's career took her to the west coast where she lived and worked in La Jolla, CA. She was friendly and outgoing and made friends quite easily, some of whom have remained life-long friends. After returning to Pensacola, Ann worked for WCOA and enjoyed broadcasting from the top floor of the San Carlos Hotel. In February 2016, Ann was invited as a guest speaker for WCOA's 90th birthday celebration. She enjoyed talking on the air with Gordon Towne as they reminisced about the old days and Ann's popular women's show.

It was always Ann's desire to travel and explore the world. She knew it was a personal investment to expand her horizons. Between jobs and traveling, Ann often returned to Pensacola and worked for her father at the Pensacola Hardware Store. After saving enough money to feed her passion for new experiences, off Ann would go, on her own, to Europe. She made a point of spending her money wisely so her adventure abroad could last as long as possible.

In 1959, Ann Martin married the love of her life, Scott Brodie. They were married for 51 years until his passing in 2011. Their love affair began at the Pensacola Little Theatre, and both of them continued to support the arts by volunteering and serving in many capacities at the PLT. Ann and Scott's honeymoon included a train ride which launched Scott's extensive railroad obsession and fed Ann's love of adventure. From a caboose in the basement of their family home, to a second caboose in the "vineyard", to a railcar restaurant designed and built by Scott, trains were an ongoing part of their lives. The Depot Restaurant was started at a pivotal time when Scott was adjusting to a career change, and Ann was juggling the roles of career woman and mother.

In 1960, Ann and Scott settled in Gulf Breeze where they raised their family. As a child, Ann spent summers "across the bay" which inspired her love for a community she would call home for almost 60 years. Ann was involved with the Gulf Breeze Historical Society and was always eager to share the history of her beloved roots. She was passionate about bettering her community and wanted others to know about her "special place" overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound. Ann was always happy and content in the family room of her home overlooking the water which she referred to as "God's world".

Ann loved to entertain, and she was always a gracious host for parties and social events. She would open up her home and her heart to family and friends as she dispensed her special brand of "southern hospitality". The Brodie home was also a destination for numerous exchange students through the years. What better way to get to know the love and spirit of Ann Brodie than to have her as your "temporary mother"!

In their later years, Ann and Scott traveled a great deal to far away and exotic lands including China, Japan, Greece, Turkey, and Australia. Yet, Ann's favorite thing to do was to load up the small motor home and tour the US. Ann was uniquely independent and strong which allowed her to continually pursue new adventures.

Ann's energy and enthusiasm always kept her involved with clubs and organizations such as the investment club, bridge club and the Junior League. She enjoyed regular visits and gatherings with her high school friends as well as her Alpha Chi Omega sorority sisters.

The church and her faith were always a constant in Ann's life. She was a lifelong member and elder of the Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church. Ann committed her time and talent to the General Assembly and to the Women's Presbytery, which included a term as president. Ann was an inspirational Circle Bible leader and a devout follower of Christ.

More than anything, Ann loved her family. She is survived by her children, Susan Arnold (Tracy), Steven Brodie (Amber) and Edith Brodie; her grandchildren, Scott and Lauren Brodie; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. Ann spoke often of her many blessings, and she maintained a grateful heart for her wonderful life. She will forever be remembered as a bright and shining light of beauty and grace.

A Memorial Service will be held on Ann's birthday, 1:00pm, Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ann's memory to Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church, 100 Andrew Jackson Tr., Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 or the Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., Pensacola, FL 32502.