Anna Marie Pitcher

Anna Marie Pitcher, 89, a lifelong area resident, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, at the Fountains at Millbrook. Before moving to Millbrook, she was a longtime resident of Salt Point.

Born on June 16, 1936, in Poughkeepsie, she was the daughter of the late Sven Berg and Magdalena VanRuowendaal.

A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, Mrs. Pitcher received her bachelors degree in teaching in 1958 and masters degree in 1990. She devoted thirty-eight years to teaching elementary school in the Hyde Park Central School District, retiring in 1997. Early in her career, she also taught in Seattle, Washington, while her husband served in the U.S. Army. Her dedication to education and her encouraging presence shaped the lives of countless students.

Anna Marie was an active and faithful member of St. James' Episcopal Church in Hyde Park. She was also a proud member of the Hyde Park Swim and Tennis Club for more than forty years. Deeply committed to her community, she volunteered with the after school reading program at St. James', AARP, the American Cancer Society, and the Hyde Park Historical Society.

Known for her gracious hospitality, Anna Marie loved entertaining and hosting social gatherings. In retirement, she embraced the opportunity to travel and explore new places.

On September 26, 1958, at St. James' Episcopal Church, she married Clifford Pitcher Jr. Her beloved husband predeceased her in 1995.

Survivors include her daughter, Karen Pitcher, and her fiancé, Ted Daley, of Millerton; her son, Scott Pitcher, and his wife, Kara, of Red Hook; and her three cherished grandchildren, Tristan Pitcher of Niagara Falls, NY, Amelia Pitcher of Troy, NY, and Brooke Pitcher of Connecticut. She is also survived by her loving caregiver, Noxie, whose kindness and companionship meant so much to her.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her son, Clifford Pitcher III, in 1987.

Cremation has taken place.

A period of visitation will take place from 10 AM to 12 NOON, Thursday March 26th at St. James' Episcopal Church, 4526 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park. A funeral service will follow at 12 NOON with Rev. Meredith Kadet Sanderson officiating.

Burial of her ashes in the family plot at St. James' Churchyard in Hyde Park will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the Pitcher family respectfully requests memorial donations to the Hyde Park Education Foundation, P.O. Box 320, Hyde Park, NY 12538 (www.hydeparkeducationfoundation.org), or the Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 80 Washington St., Suite 204, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (www.hvhospice.org).

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Rte. 9, Hyde Park. To send an online condolence, or for directions, please visit Anna Marie's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.