Ann L Arbor

Ann L. Arbor, 65 of Washington DC, formerly of Worcester, a noted former senior litigation counsel for the Department of Justice passed away peacefully Friday, May 31st in her home after a valiant battle with cancer. Ann was born in Worcester one of two children of Reuben and Olga (Awad) Arbor. She graduated from Tahanto Regional High School, earned a B.A. from Colby College and then traveled to Washington to earn her Juris Doctor Degree and Master of Laws from Georgetown University School of Law. Ann began her career as an Attorney in Washington DC and adjunct professor of Law for her alma mater Georgetown. In 1978, she accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Justice where she served her country exceptionally until retiring in 2002. As Senior Litigation Counsel for the Fraud Section in the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, she tackled some of the department's most challenging criminal fraud cases against corporations and businesses. Ms. Arbor led criminal investigations of major national medical chains that resulted in criminal pleas and recovery for the taxpayers of more than $2 billion dollars. Universally respected by her government colleagues and by counsel in the defense bar for her ability to master the facts and her command of the law, Ms. Arbor had the unique ability to bring and resolve complex governmental investigations. Her integrity, work ethic and results earned her the Attorney General's Award for Exceptional Service, the highest award conferred by the Department of Justice; the Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service; the Crime Victims Fund Award, and numerous other commendations. After her retirement from the Department in 2002, Ms. Arbor volunteered her time assisting clean-up efforts in New Orleans and Biloxi neighborhoods devastated by Hurricane Katrina, teaching adult DC residents to read and write, working at homeless shelters and teaching and mentoring younger attorneys at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. Ann is survived by a brother, Alan Arbor, his wife and their children Christopher and Keith of Londonderry, NH; three great nephews; many other extended family and friends in the Worcester and Washington DC areas she dearly loved. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family during calling hours Wednesday June 5th from 5 pm to 8 pm and again on Thursday, June 6th from 10:30 to 11:00 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Her funeral service will then begin at 11:00 am. Burial with her parents will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery Boylston.