Ann Garland West

Ann Garland West

Contoocook, NH - Ann Garland West of Contoocook, NH, peacefully left us on the morning of May 11, 2024. She has gone to reunite with her beloved husband, Richard West. Ann grew up in Windham, NH, and taught at Pinkerton Academy for 56 years. She was especially proud of directing the Pinkerton Players and advising the participants of Granite Girls' State. Ann was equally devoted to professional pursuits and her cherished "found family".

Mrs. West's teaching career began at Berlin High School in 1956 where she taught English and theater. In 1958 she taught English at Nashua Junior High, but in 1959 Headmaster Ivah Hackler lured her to Pinkerton Academy, from which she retired in 2015. She served as longtime English Department Chair and Founder/Director of the Pinkerton Players.

Her accomplishments and her awards are too numerous to list. Ann volunteered for many organizations to develop curricula, evaluate testing, support educators, and train young people for a productive future. For over 60 years she worked with the American Legion Auxiliary Granite Girls' State and Girls' Nation, which was close to her heart because of her lifelong interest in government. She was an active member of NEATE and NHCTE, both organizations for the support and betterment of English teachers. For many years it gave her great joy to judge applications for the Miss New Hampshire academic scholarship. Pinkerton Academy alone has awarded her Teacher of the Year, inducted her in the Hall of Fame, named her an Honorary Alumna, honored her with the Trustees' Meritorious Service Award, and named a Theater Award and a wing of the Arts Building after her. She has been awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards by multiple organizations. Her legacy is the inspiration that her mentorship has brought to so many teachers, students and actors.

Ann was a woman of disparate interests. She was a fan of the monarchy and all things English, except for tea. She was equally comfortable in a formal gown at an event or in her headphones at a NASCAR race. The beach brought her great joy any time of the year. Hampshire Hall was her cherished home and her favorite place to host the many varied guests who were lucky enough to visit. She enjoyed travel and was eager to attend any event that featured her friends and family, a faithful supporter. A consummate gift-giver, her generosity was constant. Both in her personal life and her career, she was fiercely devoted, dedicated and loyal.

Last year, in April of 2023, Ann lost her husband of nearly 54 years, Richard Arthur West. He was her other half, her pit crew, her rock. She is survived by her brother, Robert F. Garland, and "her girls" Becky Garland Martin, Kristen Gould Burnham, and Lydia Gould Bessler, and their families. We'll be picturing her in the middle of the party with her rum and coke.

Calling hours will be held on Friday May 17, 2024 from 4 - 7pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry. Private interment will be at a later date in the Ladd Fellows Cemetery in Brentwood, NH. To send a condolence or for more information, please visit www.peabodyfuneralhome.com