Montpelier, VT Anne Marie Brown O'Donnell passed away peacefully at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin, VT on July 16, 2017, surrounded by her beloved family. Hers was a quiet life, heroically lived. She had a boundless love for her family and friends, and we will miss her forever and love her for always. Anne was born in Springfield, MA on March 12, 1940 to James and Anna (Sullivan) Brown. Anne grew up with two big brothers, Jimmy and Richie, always looking out for her. She had a deep faith that started early, and she always found comfort in her Lord. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1957 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Elms College and then later a Master of Education degree from the University of Vermont. Anne went against her typically shy nature and asked Bob O'Donnell to her high school senior prom. They were married in 1962 and recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Anne and Bob were partners in all things and enjoyed any time spent with family, walking the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, ME, visiting relatives in Ireland and Scotland, and competing over the daily cryptoquotes. Together, they created a beautiful family, and Anne considered this her greatest accomplishment. Anne was never happier than when her family was gathered all together, sharing seemingly endless laughter and stories. Family time was cherished time for Team O'D, and Anne and Bob's life together prioritized that above all else. Anne had a passion for teaching and, after raising her own children, lovingly taught others at Barre Town Elementary School, retiring in 2006. Though she continued to substitute teach in local elementary schools for another 10 years, retirement allowed her more time for volunteering for organizations that brought her joy. She was very active in St. Augustine's Church, Catholic Daughters of America, Heart of Vermont Quilt Guild, Good Beginnings of Central Vermont, and Good Samaritan Haven. Anne enjoyed quilting, sewing, reading, doing crossword puzzles, and having Sunday dinners with family and her many friends, including her special PALS. She especially loved sharing her time and passions with her grandchildren and was very proud to have learned the game of cribbage from them in recent days. Anne was predeceased by her parents, James and Anna, her brother, William, and her infant daughter. She is survived by her loving husband of more than 55 years, Robert; son Christopher and wife Lynne of Portland, OR; daughter Maureen Whitney and husband Michael of Essex Junction, VT; son David of Portsmouth, VA; son Patrick and wife Cristin of East Montpelier, VT; brother James Brown of East Longmeadow, MA; brother Richard Brown of Asheville, NC; brother-in-law Raymond O'Donnell and wife Barbara of Fairfield, OH; as well as beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. Central to her life were her twelve celebrated grandchildren: Kaleigh and her husband Grant, Jack, Tyler, AJ, Emma, Carly, Cole, Tegan, Finn, Declan, Elsie, and Braden. The family will receive friends and loved ones at Guare & Sons Funeral Home at 30 School Street, Montpelier, on Friday, July 21 from 6-8pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Augustine Church in Montpelier, on Saturday, July 22 at 12:00pm. A private internment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Anne to the Good Samaritan Haven, 105 N. Seminary Street, Barre, VT 05641; or to St. Augustine Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.