Anne Scheel

3/28/1961 - 5/23/2024

Lyme - Devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sibling and Friend. Anne (Cushing) Scheel, a remarkable woman with an unforgettable smile, passed away surrounded by her loving family May 23, 2024, at the age of 63. Anne was born March 28, 1961, in Salem, Mass., to James and Phyllis Cushing and grew up in Waterford.

Anne was a 1979 Waterford High School graduate. Soon after, she met the love of her life, Robert Scheel. Anne became an avid volunteer, serving as a Sunday school teacher and principal at the Niantic Community Church, an assistant swim coach with the YMCA Sea Dragons, and working at community gardens serving local food pantries.

Anne's greatest joy and source of pride was her family. Her husband, Robert, of 41 years, and their two sons, Kirk and Craig, brought her immense happiness. She was their unwavering support, always ready to celebrate their successes. Anne's role as "Gram" to her five beautiful grandchildren; Jackson, Lilly, Lucas, Logan, and Leland, also brought deep joy and love to her life.

Anne was predeceased by her father, James Cushing, in 2021. The family is certain he was waiting with open arms to welcome his beloved daughter to heaven. She is survived by her husband Robert Scheel; sons, Kirk Scheel (Caroline) and Craig Scheel (Amy), both of Lyme; mother, Phyllis Cushing of Waterford; siblings, Richard Cushing (Jan) of Niantic, Paul Cushing (Karen) of Waterford, Chris Cushing of Old Lyme, and Julie Wilson (John) of Niantic; brothers-in-law, Bill Scheel (Linda) of Tucson Ariz., and Jim Scheel (Judy) of Durango, Colo; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

In a touching display of her strong spirit and appreciation for life, Anne hosted a Celebration of her Life just weeks before her passing. She gathered her beloved family and friends to share memories, laughter, and heartfelt goodbyes - an act embodying the joy she brought to those around her.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the exceptional staff at the Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers in Boston, Mass., and the compassionate caretakers from the Center for Hospice Care in Norwich. Their unwavering care, kindness, compassion, expertise and support during Anne's courageous battle were invaluable and will always be remembered.

Her immediate family will pay their final respects to Anne in a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Anne Scheel to support cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (dana.farber.org/gift) or to support the Hartford Healthcare at Home Center for Hospice Care (donatenow.networkforgood.org) in Norwich, CT.