ANNE SCHULMAN, the author of several bestselling puzzle books and novels, some of which were published in various languages and in audio versions, died shortly before her 73rd birthday this year.
Born in 1936 and educated at Diocesan and then Alexandra schools in Dublin, Anne had hoped for a career in art and fashion designing. However, when her painting for a Guild certificate was returned, she discovered that a good production of a wedding depicted the bride having green hair. It was discovered that she was partially colour-blind. Anne philosophically accepted that her love of art was greater than her talent.
Anne met her future husband, David, who was from Manchester, at a Maccabi summer school that was held in Oswestry in Shropshire. They married in Dublin two years later, with a reception at the Gresham Hotel and at the RDS. They were married for 53 years and lived in Dublin.
Anne was famous for her epicurean skills, being inventive and with a flair for presentation. It was often said that each dish that she produced looked as good as any picture in a cookery book and always tasted delicious.
She was an excellent hostess, and her children’s many friends would often mention the ready smile and warmth with which she would greet them – and they all looked forward to the culinary treats that awaited them. Anne’s comment, at a book signing at Harrods of her first book, Intrigue, was, “My greatest joy on seeing the publication was that I had managed to create something that was not simply to be eaten. Written into my contracts is the stipulation that the books must not be printed on rice paper.”
As a member of Mensa, the high IQ society, she had been asked to write a light-hearted description of the organisation. Her knowledge of the society had been enhanced as her husband was the international chairman and she was considerably involved while assisting him in his duties. As with all her novels the facts were meticulously researched and the resultant Mensa – Pull the Door Marked Pushwas very popular.
She also brought her literary and organisational skills into play when she founded and ran a book club for many years.
Anne was very intelligent, witty and bright, always considerate of others, patient and charitable. Her book, Pipe Dreams, was originally written to assist late learners and her royalties were donated to that cause.
Her warmth and endearing qualities will be remembered and missed by the many who knew her.
Anne Schulman died on March 29th at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Dublin 4. She is survived by her husband, David, and children Lynda and Paul.