Anne Frances Kele

May 24, 1947 - December 8, 2024

Anne Frances (Schackner) Kele, age 77, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024

in Goodyear, Arizona. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and

friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Anne was born on May 24, 1947 in Westerly, Rhode Island, to William and Lucina

Schackner. The youngest of four sisters, (including: Maureen (Smith), Patricia (Colonis),

and Lucina (Heipt), she grew up on Stillman Avenue and later Wilcox Manor in

Pawcatuck, Connecticut. From a young age, Anne’s passion was dance. She studied

jazz, tap, and ballet with Mrs. King in Westerly, RI and later performed in several high

school musicals. She attended, and later graduated from, Saint Michael School

(Pawcatuck, CT) in 1961, Saint Bernard High School (New London, CT), from which

she graduated in 1965, and then Southern Connecticut State College where she

majored in Elementary Education and graduated in 1969. Anne’s professional life took

many paths, from elementary school teacher to college administrative assistant, but she

really flourished when she reconnected with her passion for dance as a Jazzercise

instructor. Anne held several classes a week where she led a packed gymnasium

through fun and energetic dance fitness routines. Regardless of the job, Anne met each

experience with hard work, dedication, energy, and a passion for helping others.

More than anything, though, Anne was a devoted wife and mother to her two children.

She loved spending time with her family at their home in Old Greenwich, CT, watching

funny movies, playing board games, or just sitting on the porch. She was always there

to offer guidance, support, and encouragement, no matter what challenges they faced.

In her free time, Anne enjoyed dancing, listening to music, reading, exercising,

shopping, planting flowers, laughing with her sisters at holiday get-togethers, making

jewelry and scarves, attending broadway shows, entertaining family and friends, going

to the beach or out on the family boat, and vacationing at Longboat Key, Florida each

summer.

Anne is survived by her loving husband, Roger, who now resides in Phoenix, Arizona,

her daughter, Kirsten (Hinckley), son-in-law, Matt, and grandson, Ryan, who also live in

Phoenix, as well as her sisters, Patricia Colonis of Waterford, CT and Lucina Heipt of

Rancho Santa Fe, California. Anne’s memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

Anne is predeceased by her son, Marc, her parents, and her sister, Maureen Smith.

A Celebration of Life for family, friends, and anyone wishing to pay tribute to Anne, will

be held “Back East” later this year.