Anne K. Canfield

Anne K. Canfield of Boxborough MA died peacefully in Leominster on January 17, 2025. She was 82 years old.
Anne was born in Summit, New Jersey, on May 25th, 1942, and grew up in Chatham, New Jersey. After graduating from Immaculata University in 1964 with a degree in education, Anne spent two years teaching primary school in rural Oklahoma before returning to the east coast to marry the love of her life, Kenneth F. Canfield Jr., in June of 1966.
Anne and Ken settled in Boxborough, MA where Anne taught elementary school in Sudbury before taking time off to raise her three children. She returned to teaching as a second-grade teacher at Saint Bridget's Parochial School in Maynard, and became principal for the school's final year. While teaching at St. Bridget's, Anne earned a master's degree in education from Fitchburg State University. Following the closure of St. Bridget's Parochial School, Anne utilized her teaching experience and graduate degree to switch gears and become an educational textbook editor, spending the last years of her career in a field that she loved and excelled at.
Anne loved the town of Boxborough and worked tirelessly in many capacities, including serving on the board of selectmen, the school committee, the finance committee, and working at the polls. Anne volunteered at the Senior Center where she taught seniors how to play bridge and provided rides to doctor's appointments.
In 2013, Anne was honored to receive Boxborough's most prestigious award, the Golden Fife.
Anne was most defined by the love and care she gave consistently and without condition to her family and friends. Anne was vivacious and outgoing, with a natural ability to connect with people and lift their spirits with her humor and kindness. The light that Anne brought into this world will be sorely missed by those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
Anne is survived by her husband of 58 years, Kenneth F. Canfield Jr. of Leominster, MA, her brother Bill Kirkpatrick of Reno, NV, and her three children and their spouses, Jennifer Canfield and Chris Mahaney of Freeport, Maine, Noelle and Gregory Corbin of Holden, MA, and Kenneth and Amy Canfield of Hubbardston, MA. Anne is also survived her six grandchildren whom she cherished, Rebecca Corbin, Evan Mahaney, Gregory Corbin, Nora Mahaney, Autumn Canfield, and Kenny Canfield, and her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents William and Eleanor Kirkpatrick, and her sister, Joan Fish.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Anne Canfield's name may be made to the Emerson Health Foundation for the Cancer Center, www.emersonhospital.org, 133 Old Road to Nine Acre Corner, Concord, MA 01742.
Visiting hours will be held at Acton Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 28th from 3PM to 7PM and a funeral mass will be held at Saint Elizabeth's parish in Acton on Wednesday, January 29th at 10AM.