Ann Grinnell

Ann H. Grinnell, an extraordinary person, died on February 2, 2021, of a glioblastoma. It took her life and created a void of love and energy in the world. We mourn her loss and know that Ann would want us to carry on her legacy of caring and service to community.

Ann, over 50 years, taught generations of Seacoast children how to be safe in the water and love swimming as she did. Her passion for working with children was a special gift, among her many talents, but there was much more. Ann served nine years on the Kittery Town Council, and while chair, led Kittery's fight to save the Naval Shipyard. She also served many years on the Town's Planning Board, most of them as chair. In 2019, the Town Council honored her service to Kittery and its citizens with a special proclamation before a standing room only audience. Ann inspired many in Kittery to follow her footsteps in service to local government.

Helping others was central to Ann. Right after 9/11, she went to Ground Zero with the American Red Cross, delivering meals there to emergency response workers. Again in 2010, only a few weeks after the devastating Haiti earthquake, Ann was there, helping to connect victims with medical services. Haiti allowed her to join her love of children with her commitment to making the world a better place. She made multiple trips there, helping to build over a dozen homes, and encouraging many in the Seacoast to sponsor impoverished children through Partners in Development. Her photography documented how those modest donations helped the children to thrive.

Ann had an exceptionally large circle of friends as evidenced by the many who supported her these past two years. Her family is deeply appreciative of that support.

Ann leaves behind a devoted family: wife, Marge Pelletier; daughter Jody Eye and wife, Christi; son Charlie and fiancé, Jen; and of course, the perfect dog: Ruby.

Born in Bridgeport, CT in 1951, Ann grew up in Cohasset, MA. She graduated from Cohasset High School in 1969, went on to Colby Sawyer College, and then studied photography at the University of Denver. Ann was predeceased by her parents, Tish and Jim Grinnell, and sister, Martha. She is survived by her siblings: James Grinnell Jr. of New Bedford, MA; Richard Grinnell of Hudson, PQ; Charles Grinnell of Arlington, MA; and Matthew Grinnell of West Newbury, MA. and many nieces and nephews.

Tributes to Ann may make donations to the Ann Grinnell Children's Garden, to be developed as part of the Rice Public Library expansion project, at http://www.rice.lib.me.us/donatecreditcards.asp. Checks should be made out to Rice Library Campaign (Grinnell Garden) and sent to the Rice Public Library Corporation, PO Box 561, Kittery, Maine 03904. Support will fund the creation and maintenance of a beautiful, living tribute to Ann, an avid life-long gardener.

Due to Covid restrictions, the family will hold a memorial service at a later date. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of New Hampshire, Hampton. To view Ann's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.