Anne Marie Guay died at home after a period of declining health.

Anne was born with PKU, a condition causing developmental delays and medical and behavioral challenges. At 5 years old, Anne was admitted to Laconia State School and Training Center in Laconia, NH, where she spent the next 36 years of her life. With the help of her supporters, Anne purchased a home in Marlborough, NH, in 1993, and would never again live within the walls of an institution.

Anne was small in stature, but mighty in presence. Like so many of us, she contained multitudes. Anne was sweet, playful, and funny; she was persistent, dogged, and resolute. She was inquisitive and friendly. Anne was a free spirit, who will be remembered as being most comfortable in her own skin. She knew her own mind, even if it couldn’t always be translated into words. A tenacious and resilient woman, Anne faced significant loss, trauma, and physical pain throughout her life, but overcame every challenge before her. Anyone who knew Annie Guay learned quickly never to underestimate her.

Anne loved most of all to be in her own space at home, but she also enjoyed going for drives and walks in the park; she loved music, all kinds; she loved toys and games, and she liked seeing the decorations hung around her home for every holiday. Anne loved food, and being read to, and curling up in a little ball to sleep, which her caregivers affectionately referred to as “cocooning.” Anne liked people, too, and would greet visitors to her home with interest and curiosity. She formed strong attachments with her caregivers, some of whom stayed by her side for a long time: Mike McClening and Wanda Higgins both worked with Anne for 15+ years.

Anne depended on the care, supervision, and advocacy provided to her by others. She was fortunate to have had longtime relationships with multiple agencies who were deeply committed to her care, including Residential Resources (24 yrs), Life Coping, and the Office of Public Guardian (45 years); Anne was also formerly a client of MDS (29 years). The staff at RRI, particularly Julie Oakes and Diane Miller, as well as the Hospice at HCS team, went above and beyond to ensure Anne was not only comfortable in her final days, but loved and doted on.

Anne’s ashes will be scattered off the Isles of Shoals; her spirit will forever be free of constraints. Those who cared for Anne are invited to attend a memorial service in her honor on Tuesday, September 15th at 10am, at Cheshire Family Funeral Home, 44 Maple Ave, Keene, NH 03431.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH. To view Anne’s Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.