Anne S. Teel

Anne was born in Richmond, VA to Agnes Reid Rontey and Pierre Rontey. Her family moved to Newburyport when she was 6 years old and she resided there until her passing one week shy of her 100th birthday. She passed quietly in her sleep at the Port Rehabilitation Facility in Newburyport, MA. Anne is survived by her children; Cynthia Teel Foerster and Stephen Teel.

Anne was a story teller, she loved to write and share her tales and antics of growing up on the Merrimac River and playing on the Maudsley Estate with her older brother, Charles Rontey. She graduated from Newburyport High School and attended Northern Essex Community College as an adult learner.

Anne worked as an office girl until she challenged gender stereotypes of the 1960’s and started working as a draftsman, a job she loved. Throughout her career she had to protest for pay equality with her employers, rarely achieving this goal. Anne retired from being a draftsman in 1991. Anne also was a business owner repairing fine china and antiques out of her home. She served her community volunteering with the Red Cross, as a Hospice worker, teaching English as a second language, helping at Our Neighbor’s Table, and as a reading volunteer at the Brown School.

Although Anne considered herself a creator and not an artist, art was her passion. She was prolific in multiple art forms and taught and spoke about her craft throughout the years. Her work is displayed in many homes throughout the Newburyport area.

Anne cherished her membership at the Byfield Parish Church. Her faith in Jesus Christ was life changing. She served on many committees, ministries and was an active participant in bible studies and women’s events. She spoke often of the love she felt and the support she received from her church family as she aged at home.

A memorial service for Anne will be held at the Byfield Parish Church, 132 Jackman Street, Georgetown, MA 01833, details to be announced.

Anne was a supporter of the Pettengill House and the work they do serving children in the Greater Newburyport area. In her honor, please consider donating to the Pettengill House, 21 Water Street, Amesbury, MA 01913 or at pettengillhouse.org.