Anne Frances Bartley

With full hearts and deep gratitude, we celebrate the life of Anne Frances Bartley— beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, gardener, and friend. Born in Amesbury, Massachusetts to Herbert and Frances Bartley, Anne lived a life rich in love, laughter, and purpose.

She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 44 years, Charles White; her daughter Sasha, her grandson Gabriel; her siblings Peter, Christine, Virginia, Teresa, and Robert. She was predeceased in death by her daughter, Gabriela, whose memory remained a cherished part of Anne’s Heart. She also leaves behind a wide circle of nieces and nephews, each of whom felt her warmth, humor, and unwavering support.

Anne’s childhood was filled with playful mischief and bold curiosity. She once ate an earthworm on a dare from her brother, Peter, and was known to walk home backwards from St. Joseph’s School— Early signs of the spirited woman she would become.

She graduated from Regis College in 1965 with a degree in Biology and went on to teach Science at Pentucket Regional High School and later at the American Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. It was there, amid global unrest, that she welcomed her first daughter, Gabriela, before evacuating during the Six Day War. Her second daughter, Sasha, was born in 1970, and together they built a life rooted in resilience, closeness and joy.

Anne embraced reinvention with flair. In the 1980’s, she launched a real estate career— donning a thrifted fur coat, driving a second-hand Mercedes and building a successful business with charm and determination.

In 1981, Anne married Charles White, her steadfast partner and greatest champion. Their marriage was a true partnership— marked by laughter, shared purpose, and unwavering devotion. Together they purchased their farm in Wakefield- Sanbornville, New Hampshire, and poured their hearts into restoring the house and barn, managing the land and building a life that kept them strong and happy. Anne put her second degree in horticulture to work, becoming a large-scale organic vegetable gardener. Her harvests fed not only their family, but also neighbors in need, as she regularly donated produce to the local food bank. The farm was more than a home— it was a reflection of their love, teamwork, and shared joy in simple things.

Anne’s love for her family ran deep. She devoted herself to caring for her aging parents with quiet strength and compassion, and held a special closeness with her five siblings that endured across decades and distances. She cherished her daughters and found joy in the bonds they shared with their cousins— her many nieces and nephews— who were each touched by her generosity, wit, and nurturing spirit.

She lived with purpose, laughed often, and loved fiercely. Her legacy is one of humor, grit, and deep compassion. Though there are no formal services planned at this time, the family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and neighbors who enriched Anne’s life and stood by her in return.

She will be missed more than words can say— and remembered in every act of kindness, every blooming garden, and every story told with a smile.