DIXMONT – Anna Cutler died at home, surrounded by adoring family, on Thursday, May 25. Born on Nov. 10, 1941 in Boston, Mass., she was the daughter of Richard David Butler and Mary Lillian (Curley) Butler.

Anna attended Winchester schools and Marycliff Academy and was a member of the Wakefield High School graduating class of 1960. She earned an associate’s degree from Westbrook Junior College in the spring of 1962 and married Howard C. Cutler, the love of her life, on her 21st birthday the next fall. Nearly 20 years later, she graduated from University of Southern Maine, where she earned her degree in Education. Anna taught for years in Saco schools and later at Loranger Middle School in Old Orchard Beach, where she made precious, lifelong friendships and where she was recognized for her exceptional compassion and resilience as a Life Skills teacher who loved her students dearly.

Anna is survived by Howard, her husband of more than 60 years; and her children, Pender Makin of Scarborough, David Cutler of Lyman, and Steven Cutler of Yucca Valley, Calif. She gave her enormous and unconditional love to several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and to the many friends who were taken in as family along the way.

She will be missed for her sense of humor, her open hospitality, her optimistic spirit, and her relentless kindness. Her hands gave comfort to countless wounded animals and despairing humans. Her eyes saw only the very best in each of us and, when we’d bring her our troubles, our pain, and our transient regrets, she would always give us back the confidence that comes from being so purely loved.

All are welcome to join us Tuesday, June 6, for a mass at St. Maximillian Kolbe Church in Scarborough at 11 a.m. and a celebration of life at the Higgins Beach Club House at 12:30.

In remembrance of Anna’s life and her dedication to special needs students, the family asks that any charitable donations be directed to:

Special Olympics Maine

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