Anne Cragan Connerton

STONINGTON - Anne Cragan Connerton, of Stonington, passed away peacefully at home, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, after a life well lived. Anne was born in Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y., the daughter of Vera Vargas Cragan and Henry James Cragan.

She spent her early years in both Hastings and Stonington, attending the Borough School in Stonington, Hastings Elementary and Hastings High School, graduating with the Class of 1957. She began her college studies as a member of the Class of 1961 and Chi Omega Sorority at the University of Rhode Island, where she met her future husband.

Anne married Captain James Edward Connerton Jr., USN Retired, in 1959 in Stonington, which marked the beginning of a wonderful marriage filled with rich travel experiences throughout Jim's naval career. She later completed her degree in 1972, after returning to Rhode Island during her husband's tour of duty at NAS Quonset Point. She also earned a master's degree from Bowie State College.

Together, Anne and Jim made homes across the country with the Navy, living in Brunswick, Ga.; Argentia, Newfoundland; Monterey, Calif.; Dahlgren, Va.; Coronado, Calif.; Quonset Point, R.I.; Annapolis, Md.; Virginia Beach, Va.; and McLean, Va., before returning to their home at Vargas Corners in Stonington in 2003. They cherished the opportunity to be the next generation to reside in the family home at Vargas Corners. In each location, Anne avidly engaged in the community and opened her home to family and friends, new and old, as the consummate hostess.

Anne was a passionate and dedicated teacher, spending 25 years teaching AP government and history in Virginia Beach and Fairfax County, Va. She brought intellect, wit, and a love of civic engagement to her students.

She considered her family her greatest achievement and was deeply proud of the lives they built. Anne was predeceased by her beloved husband Jim in 2006. She was also predeceased by her sister, Mary Motherway of Stonington. She is survived by her three daughters, Jane Connerton (John) Connelly of Stonington, Christine Kiki (Dixon) Connerton Smith of Annapolis, Md., and Mary Connerton (Michael) Scott of Northlake, Texas. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: John Humphrey (Samantha) Connelly III, James Edward (Samantha) Connelly, Mary Katherine (Matthew) Carara, Tucker Lesesne (Tiffany) Smith, Zachary James Smith, Cragan Anne Smith, Micaela Scott (Austin) Lee, Alexander Michael Scott, and Emily Anne Scott; as well as her sister, Jane Cragan Duffy of Westwood, Mass. Her great-grandsons, Bowman Press Smith and Slade James Smith; and great-granddaughter, Anna Belle Connelly, also brought her great joy in her later years.

A devoted parishioner at St. Mary Catholic Church in Stonington, Anne served as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. She was a long-time member of the Wadawanuck Club and served for many years on the board of directors of the Stonington Historical Society. Annes enduring support for the Historical Society and passion for curating Stonington's rich history earned her the Society's top honor, the 'Hero' award.

A talented needle pointer, known by some as the Bionic Needle, Anne belonged to four different stitching groups and delighted in her artistic creations, especially the History of Stonington, which she masterfully stitched onto the stair risers in her home.

Anne's engaging personality, deep love for history and family, and commitment to her community left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Calling hours and the funeral Mass will both take place Saturday, Aug. 9. Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Mystic Funeral Home, located on Route 1 in Mystic (51 Williams Avenue) Mystic. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. at St. Mary Church, 22 Broad Street, Stonington. Anne will be interred later alongside her husband at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Stonington Historical Society, P.O. Box 103, Stonington, CT 06378.