Ann Louise Chandler

Ann Louise Chandler, born on February 14, 1932, in New Gloucester, ME passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024, in Tucson, AZ at the age of 92. Ann's life was marked by her vibrant spirit and a profound dedication to her family, community, and numerous passions.

Ann's early years were filled with music and creativity. She sang in the church choir and played the piano and guitar. Her artistic talents extended to illustrating and sewing, with a keen eye for color and texture which she also appreciated in art. Ann's love for storytelling was evident in her writings, ranging from family memoirs to children's stories, always accompanied by a book by her bedside.

A significant chapter of Ann's life was her commitment to education and community service. She taught an illiterate man to read, marking one of her proudest achievements. Ann volunteered at Drumlin Farms in Massachusetts and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program in New Hampshire, sharing her knowledge of nutrition with low-income families.

In the late 1960s, Ann began collecting Sasha dolls, leading her to found the Sasha Festival in 1983, an annual event that continues to support children's charities. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone as she opened "The Village Toy Shop" in Cochituate, Mass and co-owned "Marcy Street Doll Company" in Portsmouth, NH.

Ann is survived by her children, Lincoln Stevens, David Stevens (wife: Betty Stevens), and Dorothy Stevens Knight (husband: Scott Knight); five grandchildren, one step-grandchild, three great-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her sons Andrew and Loring Stevens, her brother Nick Chandler, and step-granddaughter Erin.

A memorial/celebration of life service will be held at her home in Tucson, AZ, on July 16, 2024, at 6:30 pm, where attendees can enjoy her favorite foods and reminisce about her life until 8 pm. Ann's commitment to giving continues as her body was donated to the Willed Body Program at the University of Arizona. Her ashes will be laid to rest in a family plot in New Gloucester, ME.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Save the Children https://www.savethechildren.org in memory of Ann Chandler, honoring her legacy at the Sasha Festival. Ann's life was a testament to her love for her family and her unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of others. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.