Anne Haney

Anne Haney, 76, of Newton died on May 9th. Born in NC, Anne personified the warmth and charm of the South, welcoming others into her home and life with true grace and a generous spirit. She moved to Newton with her husband James Haney, a native, in 1964 and raised their 3 children here. A quiet person of keen intelligence, Anne traveled the East Coast as a teen speaking for the American Red Cross and worked professionally as the editor of a daily newspaper in Virginia before graduating high school. At Duke University, she met Jim; she was painting scenery for a play when she noticed a scruffy looking fellow in an orange and black lettermans jacket at the piano. Intrigued that he was writing music, she accepted his invitation on a date. Jim appeared for the date unrecognizable, with shoes so shiny one could see ones reflection. The only man with whom she could dance, Anne graduated college in 3 years to marry and move north with him upon Jims transfer to BU. She went on to complete her Masters degree in Public Communications at BU. Anne worked professionally in public relations and development at a variety of area institutions, including The Carroll Center for the Blind, The Cotting School, Northeastern University, Brigham and Womens Hospital, and Newton-Wellesley Hospital. A celebratory phone call upon being offered one of those positions led Anne to Marthas Vineyard for the first time; a neighbors expression of congratulations was I have a house for you! The house was a small hotel recently converted to apartments. Within weeks, Anne and Jim were in a business they had never previously considered. Dunmere by the Sea is now in its 143rd year, and the Haneys continue to own and manage it. Her children maintain that Anne did her best work at Newton-Wellesley Hospital; it was there, after all, that all 3 were born. Perhaps in agreement, Anne and Jim have a birthing room at NWH named for the family in which their younger grandson was born. Anne leaves her devoted husband, James Haney, of Oak Bluffs and Newton, MA; their son David; daughter Kathleen (Kate), son-in-law Peter, and grandson Teddy Haney of Longmeadow, MA; daughter Sarah Menchu, grandson Adi Uchendu, and granddaughter Maggie Menchu; and Sarahs partner Paul Kiley. In Newton, there will be a celebration of Annes life on May 30 from 3-5pm at the familys home. In lieu of flowers, Jim requests that gifts in Annes memory be made to Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2014 Washington St. Newton, MA 02462.