Anne Roede Giddings

About

Newington High School Mount Holyoke College Northwestern University University of Hartford

Anne Giddings Obituary

Anne Roede Giddings CHESHIRE, CT - Anne Roede Giddings, 66, died Monday, April 25, 2011. She was the wife of Dr. Robert Fisk Giddings. Mrs. Giddings was born August 11, 1944, in Albany, New York, daughter of the late Charles Bernhard and Martha (Blohm) Roede. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College with distinction at the end of her third year. She then earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree at Northwestern University. In 2003, she earned her Doctor of Education degree from the University of Hartford. Mrs. Giddings was a lifelong educator. She taught mathematics at the high school level in several school districts, including Durham and Woodbridge. She was an assistant principal at Newington High School, Principal of John Wallace Middle School in Newington, Curriculum Supervisor in Newington, and Assistant Superintendent and Acting Superintendent in Ansonia before retiring in 2008. In 2009, Mrs. Giddings was elected to the Cheshire Town Council, where she chaired the Ordinance Review Committee and served on the Personnel Committee and was the liaison to the Cheshire Housing Authority, Historic District Commission, and the Environment Committee. Anne was a member of the First Congregational Church of Cheshire for 40 years. At the time of her death, she was the Senior Deacon, a Delegate, and a member of the choir. Over the years she served the church in many capacities, including as a Sunday School teacher and member of several boards and committees. She was a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts and formerly served for many years as a Girl Scout leader and trainer. She had also served on Cheshire's Environment Commission, Recycling Steering Committee, and the Board of Directors of the Cheshire Land Trust. She was a member of the Lady Fenwick Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Anne had seemingly boundless energy, which was almost exclusively channeled into helping others. She provided meals for those in need, countless refreshments for church functions, donated fifteen gallons of blood, planted her best gardens near the road for the benefit of people passing by, and was always available to help, to counsel, and to guide. She always led by example and never expected or wanted anything in return, especially public recognition. In addition to her husband of 44 years, Mrs. Giddings is survived by her daughter, Charlotte Giddings Gillespie of Mount Pleasant, SC, and her son-in-law, Dr. M. Boyd Gillespie; her son, Robert Philip Giddings of Storrs and her daughter-in-law, Lisa Anne Giddings; three grandchildren, Lillian Clare, Helen Margaret, and Philip Boyd Gillespie; identical twin sister, Janet E. Ashcroft and her husband John D. Ashcroft of Willard, Missouri; a brother, Arthur H. Roede and his wife Ann M. Roede of Cary, North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, John B. Roede. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m., at the First Congregational Church, 111 Church Drive, Cheshire. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Friends may call on the family at ALDERSON FUNERAL HOME OF CHESHIRE, 615 S. Main St., on Friday, April 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Capital Maintenance and Repair Fund or the Deacons Memorial Fund of the First Congregational Church of Cheshire 111, Church Dr., Cheshire, CT 06410. For online condolences please visit www.aldersonfuneralhomes.com. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/ deaths

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Apr. 26 to Apr. 27, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Anne Giddings

13 Entries

May 4, 2011

Dear Dr. Giddings,Charlotte, Robert, & Family:

I was deeply saddened to learn today of Anne's passing. I was administrative secretary to Anne during her years as principal at John Wallace Middle School. Anne cared deeply about the education of each student at Wallace school. One of her many priorities was to provide a positive school environment for learning to take place.

I will always remember Anne as a dedicated educator and a caring, energetic lady who was so full of life.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time of sorrow.

Joyce Guiliano

Heske Zelemyer

May 3, 2011

Very sad to read of Anne's passing. I worked at the University when she was getting her EDD degree and became very fond of her! She was quite a lady. My sympathies go to the family she leaves behind. Fondly

Fritzi Batchelor

April 30, 2011

Dear Dr. Bob and family,
I was so terribly sorry to hear of Anne's death. Although I only met her a few times at your office, I have heard many many accounts of her compassion and concern for others. I have a friend who claims that Anne saved her life, by encouraging her to become a different type of person.

In any case, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow and confusion. Your son Robert lives right around the corner from me in case you are out this way visiting.

Fritzi(the woman with the miscreant macaw Elle)

April 30, 2011

Dear Dr. Giddings and family,
We respected and will greatly miss Anne Giddings, who along with yourself practiced conservation every day of the year. Both of you were recipients of our conservationist of the year awards for your significant open space donation, and your beautiful home has long been a model of best practices to preserve native plants and animals. Anne and yourself have made the world a better place.
Mary Mushinsky, Quinnipiac River Watershed Association

Andrew Liveten

April 29, 2011

Bob, Nancy & I were very upset to hear of Anne's passing. Our hearts go out to you and your family in your time of sorrow.
Best wishes,
Andy & Nancy Liveten

Sandra Kiertz

April 28, 2011

I was so upset to hear of Anne's passing. It occured to me that she was the woman who substituted for me earlier this year at Yalesville School in Wallingford. I had the pleasure of speaking with her before I left for the day. One other day when she was substituting for another teacher, I conversed with her in the teacher's lunch room. When she left I thought, "That is a woman I would love to get to know. What a classy lady." We spent no more than 30 minutes together yet Anne left a lasting impression on me. I will never forget her. Please accept my condolences.
Sincerely,
Sandra Kiertz
Special Education Teacher
Yalesville Elementary School

Jennifer Thomas

April 28, 2011

Jeff and I are so sorry for your loss.

Kathie Jamo

April 28, 2011

Dear Dr. Giddings, We were so saddened to hear of Anne's passing. Words, however kind, can't mend your heartache: but those who care and share your loss wish you comfort and peace of mind.

May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends.

Deepest Sympathy,
Love Patric & Kathie

Cynthia McDonough

April 28, 2011

The first time I met Anne was at my daughter's Girl Scout meeting. I was helping out that day. At that time I didn't know that Anne was Charlotte's Mother. I was wondering who this beautiful, energetic, captivating woman was, who took control of a bunch of high strung giggly girls? It was Anne Giddings of course! She made me smile and I will miss her.

April 27, 2011

Mrs Giddings, from my student perspective, was in fact a great leader, very caring towards her students. When I went to John Wallace, she was the Principal and a darn good one at that. She will be sorely missed.

Jordan Lopes

April 27, 2011

We want to express our caring for you and our huge admiration for all that Anne has done and represented in an exemplary life!

George and Carolyn Hardin Engelhardt

Brian Skehan, Newington Police Ret.

April 27, 2011

Absolutely Terrific to work with. True professional; caring, honest, genuine. Rest in peace Dear Lady.

April 27, 2011

Dear Bob, Charlotte, Bob and Families,
It was with great sadness that I read of your loss. Anne was wonderful to me for all of the years I worked with her at John Wallace. She never ceased to amaze me at the energy and enthusiam she had each and every day. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
Sincerely.
Lorraine Gibson
John Wallace Middle School

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results