Ann G. Atwood77, died on December 25th in her home at Kendal with caring staff by her side. Ann was born November 14, 1941 in Claremont, NH to John Henry Atwood and Myrtle Sabre (Mussey) Atwood.

Raised in Claremont, Ann knew by age 10 that her lifelong dream was to become a 5th grade teacher. While attending Stevens High School, Ann served as a Girl Scout Troop leader. She played clarinet in the school's band and proudly marched in the inaugural parade for Dwight D. Eisenhower. She graduated from Stevens High School in 1959.

In 1963, Ann received her Bachelor of Education from Keene Teachers College. That fall she began teaching 5th grade math at the Bernice A. Ray School in Hanover, NH. In 1966, Ann was granted tenure by the School Board, an honor which was conferred only on high caliber teachers. In 1967, she was awarded a National Teachers Fellowship in "Mathematics for the Underachievers in Grades 4 to 9" at the University of Connecticut. She earned her master's degree in June 1968.

Ann excelled in her profession and received excellent evaluations. Principal Bernice A. Ray wrote: "The enrichment of the curriculum and the concern for your students, which you continually maintain, is difficult to match." She ended the review with these words: "…to one of our strongest teachers, Ann, we say 'Thank you for a job well done.'" In 1970, then Principal Gerald S. Kaplan created a new position, Math Curriculum Specialist. He appointed Ann to that role, writing, "It may be an impossible dream, but we expect as a result of your effectiveness, all math classes will become as good as the ones you yourself teach."

Ann taught 5th grade mathematics in Hanover her entire career, retiring in 1999. Her dream came true. She was a member of the Hanover Education Association, New Hampshire Education Association, and the National Teachers Association. Ann lived near her beloved school throughout her career.

In 1978 Ann joined Our Savior Lutheran Church in Hanover. She was active in the life of the church, serving as treasurer and finance secretary for more than 25 years. She was a member of the Mary-Martha Society, prayer group, sang in the choir and served as the choir librarian. Her devotion to God, God's Church and her OLSC family was a vital part of her life.

Ann was passionate about knitting. She made the most beautiful sweaters for friends and family "€" Irish knit, Fair Isle, and many other styles. She was also passionate about her cats"€"Tim, Punkin, Taffy, and Dusty. Telling stories about their antics brought shared joy to Ann and her friends. She was an avid reader. Above all, she valued her friends, cultivated her relationships, and was most generous. She enjoyed summer time at her family cottage on Rocky Bound Pond in Croydon, NH.

In 2007, Ann moved to Kendall in Hanover. She participated on several committees, enjoyed making new friends, reached out to those in need of a friend, and worked in the Clover Shop.

Ann was predeceased by her brother John M. Atwood and his wife Kathi Howe. Survivors include niece Kathleen March and husband Jim, niece Lisa Rowell and husband Dan, nephew Jamie Howe as well as grandnieces and grandnephews Jenna and Ryan March, Brandon and Kate Howe, Aaron and Nathan Rowell.

A celebration of Ann's life will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Hanover, followed by a reception at the church.

Those wishing to honor her memory may donate to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 5 Summer Street, Hanover, NH, 03755, or to the Cadbury Fund, Kendall at Hanover, 80 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH, 03755.