Obituary of Anne L. Rudge - Pinkham

Anne L. Rudge-Pinkham of Niantic, 95 years young, lived a beautiful life filled with grit and grace. She was born December 7, 1926. She died April 23, 2022, at home, surrounded by love. Anne gave light and laughter to this world. She will be deeply missed by many. Anne is the beloved daughter of the late William Shailor and Madeline (Heslin) Rudge, the sister of the late William S. Rudge and his wife Margaret, and widow of Alton Pinkham Jr. Anne is survived by countless family and friends, including: her nieces Marcia Rudge, Beth Rudge, her nephew William Rudge and his wife Donna, her stepson Gary Pinkham and his wife Sue, and the Sweeney, Logedice, Field, and Heslin cousins. Anne grew up and attended schools in New Britain. She earned a degree in Elementary Education from Central CT University and later a Master's degree in Reading from UCONN. She was an active member of Kappa Delta Phi Honor Society. Anne was a creative, empathetic advocate for children. She taught in New Britain, Amish country in Pennsylvania, and Waterford. Her career spanned over 40 years. If you were blessed to have her(Miss Rudge/Mrs. Kelley) as your teacher, Anne called you "My kids". Anne loved teaching First Grade. When her principal died unexpectedly, Anne was asked to take over for the remainder of the year. Anne had the right mix of academic skills, compassion, and humor to guide her colleagues, families, and children through that difficult time. Anne's life was filled with service. After Anne retired from teaching, she was not done with helping children. She volunteered at the York Correctional Facility where Anne read and played with them so family could visit. Anne believed in family first and second chances. Anne volunteered at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Lobby shop. Her smile and kind words were a comfort to all who visited the shop. With Anne's sense of style, she was an obvious choice to be a buyer for the shop, taking regular trips to New York. Anne's life was filled with passions. She loved to travel and did so all her life. Finding love later in life, she and her husband, Alton, went to Hawaii, Mexico, and divided their time between CT and Florida. Anne loved mystery books. She loved going to the beach and warm weather. Anne was passionate about animal welfare. She was a constant donor to various groups. Anne loved her schnauzer dogs! Anne was proud of her Irish heritage. She was the keeper of the family photos and the stories of sorrow and strength. Anne loved to entertain. In the last days of her life, she was planning a "Good -bye Anne" party. Family, friends, and lots of good food was her definition of home. A Catholic Mass will be Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at 11:30 AM at St. Paul's Church, 485 Alling St. Kensington. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. Family would like to thank Hospice care- Lynn and Hartford HealthCare for helping Anne. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pieper Memorial Veterinary Hospital, 730 Randolph Road, Middletown, CT 06457.