Ann Elizabeth Stinson

Ann Elizabeth Stinson, Small, Bauer, 83
DEER ISLE -- Ann Elizabeth Stinson, Small, Bauer, 83, passed away on April 11, 2011, following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born in Lewiston on Sept. 2, 1927.
As a child Ann resided at the Plummer family homestead in Auburn with her parents, Wesley A. and Mabel H. Small, and extended family of grandparents and great-aunts. The Plummer homestead was settled by Ann's great-great-great-grandfather, William Plummer, in 1785 following his service in the American Revolution, and is maintained to this day by the family.
Ann's initial education was provided by her father at the Jordan School in Auburn, a one-room elementary school, during the time of the Great Depression. Ann graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn, and then earned a bachelor's degree at Bates College in Lewiston. She worked for a period as the children's librarian at the Rumford Public Library before moving to NYC where she graduated from Columbia University earning a master's degree in library science. During her time a Columbia, Ann was employed at the Newark Public Library in New Jersey.
Following graduation, Ann was employed as the children's librarian at the New York Public Library until returning to Maine in 1955. Ann opened and directed the Munjoy Hill Branch of the Portland Public Library until becoming the Director of the Lewiston Public Library. In 1963 Ann was recruited to design and build the South Portland Public Library where she remained as Director until 1973 when she moved to Deer Isle with her husband, Willard 'Sonny' Stinson.
Ann and Sonny were married for 41 years until her death. During their many years together in Deer Isle they were well respected neighbors known for their kindness, generosity and passion for the cultivation of organic vegetables.
Ann is survived by her son, John J. Bauer of Auburn; cousins, Rose Ebsworth of England, Pricilla Woodward of Stonington; a niece, Sharon Coulomb of Poland, and a nephew, Steven Small of Auburn. She was predeceased by her parents; and her brother, Wesley A. Small Jr., all of Auburn.
Services will be announced. A service of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Stonington.
Donations can be made to any
Deer Isle scholarship.