Anna Borre-Boon

Anna was born on June 22, 1941, in Washington, D.C., to Dutch diplomat Hendrik (Han) Boon and Charlotte Boon Mees. Her early life was spent across the globe - the United States, China, the Netherlands, Venezuela, and Rome, to name a few. Rome in the 1950s was an especially vibrant place, and as the daughter of the Dutch Ambassador, Anna enjoyed a uniquely cultured upbringing, attending parties and diplomatic dinners, often accompanied by one of her sisters - Elizabeth, Talitha, or Caroline. It was also in Rome that she met her first husband, Peter.

Anna went on to attend boarding school in Switzerland and later college in the United States. Shortly after graduating from Vassar, she married Peter and, in the spirit of compromise, they made their home in the U.S. Together, they had three wonderful children. Anna passed on her love of skiing and travel to them, spending winters skiing in New Hampshire and summers visiting her parents in Europe.

In 1982, Anna met the love of her life, Bob Woodruff-who opened the door to another magical place: Martha's Vineyard. After retiring from the Newton Public School System in 2001, where she spent twenty years as a devoted school psychologist, Anna began a new chapter on Hardscrabble Farm. There, she cultivated flowers and vegetables and, over the years, cared for oxen, chickens, and even a horse. Her days were filled with sailing, beach walks, and lively family dinners.

Winters brought travel-Vietnam, China, Iceland, India, South America, and countless trips to the Netherlands and Italy to see her cherished family. Yet no matter how far she roamed, Martha's Vineyard was home: a place made even more special by Bob, whose expert guidance introduced a new generation of grandchildren to sailing, the Agricultural Fair, and the island's natural wonders. Anna passed on to them her passion for good food, family, and adventure.

Anna lived a rich and beautiful life-filled with love, travel, good food, and good wine. She taught us all what it means to live with joy, gratitude, and presence, and to love unconditionally. She had many lifelong friends, and she will be deeply missed.

Anna leaves behind her life partner Bob, three children, Alex Borré & Darlene Borré of West Hartford, Michelle Borré Massick & Robert Massick of New York City, Kyra Borré-Segura & Jonathan Segura of New York City, her grandsons Ben Borré and Max Massick, and granddaughters Kayla Massick, Lila Borré, and Evangeline Segura, her sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins in the Netherlands and Italy, and dear friends all over the world.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Camp Ramapo for Children in Rhinebeck, New York. Celebrations of Anna's life will be held in the spring.