In Memory
Ann Bailen Fisher, born in New York City on October 15, 1951, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2023 at her home in Manhattan. She resided in New York City and Sherman, Connecticut.
Ann is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Fisher, a son, Thomas Bailen Fisher, and three grandchildren, Hattie, Theo and Lydia; a sister, Emily Bailen McKeage, and a brother, Eliot T. Bailen and many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as by her children-in-law, Robert Bigot and Sabrina Fisher. She was predeceased by her parents, Eliot Bailen and Elise Thompson Bailen.
Following her graduation from Harvard Law School in 1976, Ann joined the law firm of Sullivan and Cromwell where she was a partner from 1984 to 2019. She was a leader in the securities practice for many years and was a preeminent practitioner in SEC registered securities offerings by governments around the world.
Ann was the first female partner in the firm’s corporate securities practice, and was a devoted mentor to younger lawyers, dedicating significant time and attention to guiding women lawyers in developing their own practices. Among Ann’s proudest accomplishments were her leading role in the establishment of the firm’s first day care facility as well as her advocacy for the extension of parental leave rights to adoptive parents. Ann also enjoyed her two years spent in Sullivan and Cromwell’s office in Paris.
Ann grew up in New York City, where she attended the Spence School, graduating in 1969. She attended Harvard College, with a concentration in Classics. There her love of theatre led her to produce, direct and act in plays by Euripides and Aristophanes at the Loeb in the original ancient Greek. One of the first four women members of the Hasty Pudding Club at Harvard, Ann was also in one of the first classes of women to live in Eliot House.
Ann graduated from the college magna cum laude in Classics and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She was also awarded a Marshall Scholarship to continue her study of Classics at Cambridge, but chose instead to go directly to Harvard Law School for her JD. While at Harvard, Ann was also a member of the Signet Society and enjoyed her time as coxswain of the Eliot House crew.
Ann adored cats and spent much time on their rescue, care and rehoming. In particular, she worked closely with Anjellicle Cats Rescue of New York City, where she also sat on the Board. Other Board memberships included The Child School/Legacy High School, the Sherman Chamber Ensemble, The Spence School Alumnae Board and The Acting Company. She also volunteered extensively for both Harvard College and Harvard Law School and was currently a chair of her 50th college class reunion.
A devoted gardener, Ann spent many happy hours in her garden in Sherman, Connecticut. Ann’s greatest passion was for her children and grandchildren.
As a long-time Board member of the Sherman Chamber Ensemble Ann hosted numerous benefits and receptions, volunteered at events and was a dedicated and generous supporter.
In honor of her legacy, the Board of Directors of the Ensemble has established a fund in her memory.
Donations designated “In Memory of Ann Bailen Fisher” can be made to the charities below:
Sherman Chamber Ensemble
PO Box 578, Sherman, CT 06784
Anjellicle Cats Rescue
https://www.anjelliclecats.com
PO Box 2084, Radio City Station, New York, NY 10101-2084
The Child School/Legacy High School
https://www.thechildschool.org
587 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
Harvard University
https://community.alumni.harvard.edu/give/16040850
in memory of Ann Bailen Fisher, designated to her 50th reunion fund
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on February 11, 2023 at The Church of the Heavenly Rest, 1085 Fifth Avenue, at 90th Street. A reception will follow at the church.
Ann, beloved by many, will be deeply missed by all of her family and friends.