Annabelle Marie LaBree

BRADLEY—Annabelle M. LaBree, 88, passed away Tuesday December 14, 2021 at her home of 65 years in Bradley. She was born April 9, 1933 in Bangor to Daniel M. and Irma M. (Farnsworth) Lawrence. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Ellery Lawrence and her first husband Walter N. LaBree.

Annabelle is survived by her partner of 43 years Gifford Stevens, step son Jonathan Stevens; children Michael (Debora) LaBree, Kevin (Kathleen) LaBree, Jeffrey (Debra) LaBree, Daniel LaBree, Aimee (Jim) Newcomb, and Parker McCarty; grandchildren Lucas (Jessica) LaBree, Catherine (Dominic) Allott, Bradley (Kat) LaBree, Chelsea LaBree, Dr. Jeremiah (Lindsey) LaBree, Jacob (Monica) LaBree, Chris (Jessica) Newcomb, Seth Horvers, Kirsten Newcomb, and Cara (Christopher) West, as well as 10 great grandchildren.

Annabelle conquered many challenges to lead an extraordinary life. Widowed at 34, she went back to work at the Viola Rand Elementary School, staying close to her children, while completing her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Maine in 1974. She remained at Viola Rand, serving as first grade teacher, principal, and resource room teacher until her retirement in 2003. Along the way, she found time to earn her Master’s Degree in Education. She positively touched the lives of countless students. Annabelle raised her children independently and instilled her love of travel and adventure in each of them and later to her grandchildren. She was a fierce proponent of the underdog and underserved. She could be, and often was a force to be reckoned with.

She and Gifford traveled extensively, spending summers camping across the country, in particular, Yellowstone National Park, where she developed lifelong friendships at Slough Creek. Upon retirement, Annabelle continued her adventures with semi-annual treks across the country, wintering in southern California. Short in stature, but large in life, immensely loyal to her family and friends, quick to laugh, she was the foundation of her family.

A celebration of her life gathering will be held 2:00 – 4:00 PM Monday December 20, 2021 at the Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town, where a time of sharing will begin at 3:30PM. Masks will be required regardless of vaccination status. Memorial contributions may be made to the Old Town Animal Orphanage PO Box 565 Orono, ME 04473