Anne S. Harvey (Shugrue), 86, of Nashua NH, passed away on January 23, 2023, at home in her sleep surrounded by her family with whom she lived. Anne was born and raised in Lowell Massachusetts, a daughter of Frederick Shugrue and Ivy Shugrue (Rourke). Anne is predeceased by her late husband Frank L. Harvey of Nashua NH, sister-in-law Loretta Shugrue of Gilford NH, and her brother Robert Shugrue of Ft. Lauderdale FL. She is survived by her daughter Karin, son-in-law Kevin and their children; Martin, Ivy Rose, Patrick, Neva, and Matthew, as well as her grandson’s best friend James and partner Zoe, who also shared her home. She is also survived by her brother Fred Shugrue of Gilford NH, sister Lorraine Smith of Hudson NH, sister-in-law Phyllis Wood of Plaistow NH and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Anne graduated from University of Lowell with a BA in Music Education and went on to teach for almost fifty years at all levels including elementary, high school and college. She taught in the Chelmsford and Nashua School Districts as well as at Mount St. Mary High School and Rivier College, where she continued to teach piano until her retirement. She also taught private piano and spent many years working as a professional singer at events across Greater Nashua.
Anne’s passion for music led her to a lifelong involvement in community musical theater, an activity she enjoyed with her late husband Frank, with whom she shared the stage multiple times with the Actorsingers of Nashua. Anne became very involved in Actorsingers over the years with roles both on stage and as part of production teams. A memorable role was when Anne portrayed mother Abbess in The Sound of Music, a production where she shared the stage with her daughter Karin. Anne’s rendition of “Climb Every Mountain” earned her standing ovations. In recent years, Anne shared the stage with her daughter and grandchildren in productions with Friends of The Amato Center in Milford NH. Anne was an ardent supporter of her grandchildren’s endeavors in music and theater, attending everything from junior musicals to punk concerts. Anne’s proudest musical accomplishment was when she sang for United States President Gerald Ford, a story which she loved to tell everyone.
Anne loved spending time with her family. Some of her favorite activities were enjoying trips to Walt Disney World with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids, attending Bruins games with her daughter Karin, spending time during the cold months of winter enjoying sun in Marco Island FL, and summers in her family’s beach home in Maine. Anne loved sharing a meal with family and friends at her favorite restaurants like the Lobster Boat, Fridays or The Haluwa.
Anne was a lifelong animal lover. Anne loved the dogs in her life, 3 beautiful German Shepherds, and she worked for years with Kitty Angels to rescue and rehabilitate feral cats, including providing a home to many of them. Anne was a devout Catholic, and devotion to the pets in her life led her to adore Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
Anne’s presence, love, support, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by her family and those who knew and loved her. As her grandkids say, “She was the best Grandmother ever”.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 30th from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Tuesday, January 31st at 11 a.m. Interment will follow immediately at Edgewood Cemetery in Nashua. Arrangements are in the care of Farwell Funeral Service Inc, Condolences can be left at www.farwellfuneralservice.com
