Anne was a mother to many of us, a patient listener, a trusted friend and confidant, loving fully and unconditionally. She was quick to laugh and even quicker to hug. For years at Park Street, Anne and her late mother, Alice "Gram", would pamper the cocker spaniel, Maggie Mae, and the Himalayan, Colby... sneaking them bites of this and that! Their door and hearts ever open, they would welcome parades of friends and family for both planned and spontaneous soirées and festivities. This tradition continued into our old farmhouse, where we proudly welcomed and housed our friends from afar.
Anne loved walking to work in the Old Port, as she never obtained a driver's license. At Bank of America, she finished the last few years of her career with Vivian, The Boss of a Lifetime! Her Chabot brothers, too, were gifted with mathematical brains, producing an accountant and a math professor, for examples!
When it came to family, Anne would light up with the news of the birth of each great niece and great nephew, and a few great-greats, too! Her refrigerator was adorned with baby and school photos, and the mantle bountifully littered with cards tucked between her Avon steins, a collection that wrapped around the kitchen! Brother Leonard in Buffalo had the twin set of steins, a Christmas swapping gift tradition that Anne shared with Leonard.
Anne grew up as the only girl in a catholic household brimming with rascally brothers. I have a few stories about her brothers that involve the belt! Anne would joke how, although she didn't have to share a bedroom, she had to share endless domestic duties with Momma (Gram). Fortunately for us, this meant that she perfected several recipes: Shepherd's Pie, Salmon Loaf, Lasagna, soups, and desserts aplenty. When Gram came to live at Park Street, their combined culinary creativity had us running up and down every isle of the grocery store.
Anne's generosity knew no bounds. She was careful to remember and attend every birthday and event. Not one to pick favorites, she fostered what morphed into a deep, lifetime friendship with her niece Wendy. They are so much alike - and eternally bonded! The Chabot Family holds a special place in my heart, as they adopted me into their lives well into Anne's golden years. We had many celebrations and adventures plus the laughter and tears. I'm honored to have known Anne, to have shared our lives together [with many of you!!], and, now to say "Goodbye, my dear friend! I love you forever!", Bruce Carver in Portland