NEW GLOUCESTER – Ann Ellen Strout, 68, of New Gloucester, passed away at home with her family by her side on Oct. 19, 2024, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Ann’s was a life truly well lived. She enjoyed the simple things-reading her favorite books, watching the birds, sitting by the fire and collecting rocks. She was an avid Patriots fan–and enjoyed a good tailgate before the game–even in below freezing temperatures. She treasured her summers at camp and Scarborough Beach, loved listening to live music and visiting micro-breweries with her husband, and took great pleasure in cooking for family and friends. Above all, Ann cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren.

Ann was born on June 19, 1956, to the late George and Phyllis Cox. She attended Gardiner schools and later graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington.

Ann began her career at Goodwill Northern New England, where she met the love of her life, Kingsley “Larry” Strout, Jr. They married in 1982, and started their family shortly thereafter. Ann was a proud mother to Sarah and Eben.

Ann chose to stay home with her children while they were young, and also cared for countless other children in her home. When her children entered school, Ann began working in the Gray New Gloucester school system where she served as an ed tech and a librarian, for over 30 years.

Ann was predeceased by her parents; her nephews Michael Cox and John Esty; her sister-in-law, Nancy Cox and her brother-in-law, Russell “Skip” Fuller, Jr., each of whom held a very special place in her heart.

Ann is survived by her devoted husband of almost 42 years, Larry Strout of New Gloucester; her daughter, Sarah Pyne and her husband, JP, of Belchertown, Mass., her son, Eben Strout and his wife, Melanie, of Mahopac, N.Y.; her five beloved grandchildren, Rosalie, Brennan, Avery, Gwendolyn and Evelyn Ann; her sister, Jane Fuller of Portland, her brother, Thomas Cox of Rockport, her sister, Mary Pierce and husband, Richard of Farmingdale, her sister-in-law, Katherine Strout of Belfast; and many extended family members and friends.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday Nov. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Gray. A celebration of life will take place on Sunday Nov. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Spring Meadows, also in Gray, beginning with a brief service honoring Ann, and followed by refreshments and time together.

Ann’s family would like to thank Dr. Christian Thomas and Dr. Mark Wrona and their team at New England Cancer Specialists, the wonderful nurses at Maine Medical Center Coulombe Tower 7th floor, and the incredible hospice team of Hospice of Southern Maine, especially Angela and Toby for their compassion, respect and kindness during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be made to Hospice of Southern Maine http://www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org/donate or that you consider donating a children’s book to your local library.