AUBURN – Ann E. Anctil, 78, long-time resident of Lisbon, bid Au Revoir one last time. Surrounded by family, Ann died at the Hospice House on Tuesday evening. Born in Waterville, ME on August 18, 1940, Ann was the daughter of Lucien and Evelyn (Hubert) Poulin. She and her sister, Claudette Reny, grew up in Lewiston. As a child she attended local catholic schools followed by St. Dominic’s High School and spent summers at the family camp on Taylor Pond. She graduated from St. Dom’s in 1958 and went on to earn her Bachelors in Education at St. Joseph’s College and her Masters Degree in Education at the University of Maine. It was during those college years that Ann began lifelong friendships with some of her closest friends. Ann met Ron Anctil of Lisbon during high school and began dating during her college years. They were married during a snow storm in February of 1972 . Together, they built their home and life in Lisbon. They owned Ronnie’s Variety and, later, The Yankee Grocer. All the while Ann was teaching French at Lisbon High School. Ann taught most of her career in Lisbon and even came back from retirement to teach again in Lisbon. Many of her stories revolved around the students she taught, the wonderful things they had gone on to accomplish, and later their children whom she once again had the opportunity to teach. She was heavily involved in the Lisbon community for years, participating in numerous boards and Lisbon Rotary. Her passion for education carried her through her career. Through the National Education Association, she gave back to the profession that meant so much to her. She served in various chairs within the NEA, eventually elected to state and, later, national presidency. It was during those years that she and Ron traveled a great deal for the NEA. She spent quite a bit of time in Washington, meeting famous dignitaries, including the Clintons. Ann served on numerous other boards, Credit Union Trustee Boards, and even taught at the local Senior College.
While Ann and Ron never had children of their own, Tante Ann loved her nieces and nephews, (Faye Paquet, Stephen Reny, Gregory Reny, and Jennifer Martel). Tante Ann and Uncle Ronnie hosted many holiday dinners at their home along with Claudette and her nieces and nephews. In later years she further opened her home and her heart to their spouses and then their children (her great nieces and nephews Jordan, Amanda, Taylor, Sarah, Kora, Joe, Devyn, Jack and Alex). Ann also had room in her heart for animals, from Rex the dog to numerous cats, Ann was a true animal lover. Ann was well read and often had more than one novel going. She enjoyed sharing colorful stories about her life experiences. She had a strong opinion and was willing to share it. She was an avid New England sports fan following many professional teams well as following and attending her nieces and nephews various sporting events. Ann enjoyed her extended family as well, including her many cousins from the Rossignol family in the Waterville area. This culminated for many years with the annual Labor Day family picnic that Ann and Ron hosted.
Anne is survived by her sister Claudette Reny of Lewiston; her nephews Stephen Reny and his wife Carrie of Windham NH, Gregory Reny and his wife Suki of Brookline NH; her nieces Faye Paquet and her husband Daniel of Lewiston, ME, Jennifer Martel and her husband Michael of Auburn, ME; and numerous great nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband Ronald Anctil in 2009.
Visitation will be held on Monday, Nov 5th 2-4PM & 6-8PM at The Fortin Group in Lewiston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Nov 6th 11 AM at Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Lower Chapel. Committal will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
Those wishing to make memorial donations in her name may do so to The Androscoggin Humane Society 55 Strawberry Ave. Lewiston, Me 04240.
You are invited to offer condolences and to pay tribute to Ann’s life by visiting her guestbook at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com
Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin group Funeral Home, Cremation & Monument Services 70 Horton St. 784-4584.
