Anne Patch Constantine, 97, wife of Deane Constantine of Damariscotta, passed away early on the morning of May 12 in her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born Anne Patch on June 18, 1916 in Ipswich, Mass., she attended Boston University (class of 1937) and married Henry T. Cowles Jr. of Ipswich, with whom she had four children. Anne taught first grade in the Ipswich and Topsfield public schools for nearly 25 years.
Widowed in 1953, she married Deane G. Constantine in 1975 and moved with him to Wilton in 1976. After living in Wilton for 23 years, the couple moved to Damariscotta, where they became regulars at the Maine Coast Book Shop Café, enjoyed the cultural life of the village, and participated in the St. Patrick’s Parish community.
An avid tennis player and enthusiastic golfer, Anne continued to be active to an advanced age. Anne was a life-long lover of literature and learning. She was known for her ready smile, sharp wit, genuine interest in those she met, care for her family, warmth, and sense of gratitude.
She is survived by her husband Deane; children, Henry T. and Ivy Cowles of Greenland, N.H., Cynthia and Neil Olansky of West Boxford, Mass., John Cowles of Lowell, Mass., and Mary Jane Cowles and Daniel Laskin of Mount Vernon, Ohio; grandchildren, Jennifer Walsh of Dover, N.H., Jessica and William Pidgeon of Cumberland Foreside, Seth Olansky of Los Angeles, Cal., Cara Olansky of Chicago, Ill., Gregory Laskin of Minneapolis, Minn., Colin Cowles of Cambridge, Mass., Alexander Laskin of Somerville, Mass., Elizabeth Cowles of Chicago, Ill.; and four great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be held at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m., Fri., May 16. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., Sat., May 17 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Newcastle.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
