Ann De Roode

Ann de Roode

Bernardston, MA - Ann (Littlehale) de Roode returned home to her Creator on Thursday, May 8th, one day into her 89th year. She was the youngest of four children born to Dr. Roy Frederick Littlehale and Marjorie (Stoyle) Littlehale. Anticipating World War II, Ann's father accepted a job as Director of the Tuberculosis Sanitarium in Hanson, MA to ensure he could provide for his family. The war years had a profound impact on Ann's early life. Her beloved oldest brother Frederick served in the Battle of the Bulge and her cousin Carlton Stoyle was killed on Iwo Jima. Ann was an 11th generation resident of Massachusetts, and proud of her family's heritage. She knew that citizenship came at great cost, which began when 2nd generation member John Littlehale died in the Battle of Bloody Brook, in Deerfield in 1675. This awakened her life-long interest in history.

After graduating from Dean College in Franklin, MA, Ann moved to New York City to work in retail on Fifth Avenue for several years. After returning to Boston, she met Theodore de Roode of Cambridge, a WW II veteran like her brother. They were married in February 1961 in the worst blizzard in 30 years. During their 42-year marriage, they moved across Massachusetts and Connecticut for Ted's work as a Financial Controller. Ann worked as an Administrative Assistant in a variety of medical settings and was particularly fascinated by her work in the Reproductive Endocrinology Department of Yale University Medical School under Dr. Florence Comite.

Ann lived the greatest amount of time in the Amherst area, where she was a member of South Congregational Church for over 30 years. She was a kind and loyal friend to many and always looked to welcome the newcomer, the loners and quiet ones. Most Sunday afternoons were spent including others in games of Cribbage, Scrabble or watching the Red Sox, a passion inherited from her mother, a "first generation" fan.

Ann will be remembered by her son Asa de Roode of Wendell, granddaughter and grandson-in-law Tavi and Ray Geoffrey of North Carolina and great-granddaughters Rose and Iris. Ann's daughter and son-in-law Amy and Craig White of Bernardston will remember with fondness the 7 years that Ann lived with them, reminding them frequently that "life is uncertain, and dessert should be eaten first before the meal."

A celebration of life is planned for the Fall at South Congregational Church in Amherst.

Arrangements are under the direction of Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.