Obituary: Anne ter Weele

Anne ter Weele, 91, Remembered for a Life of Service and Gardening, Dies in Portland

Portland, Maine – Anne ter Weele, a longtime resident of Portland and a celebrated philanthropist known for her love of gardening, died on September 5, 2026, at Maine Medical Center. She was 91.

Born on October 29, 1934, in London, England, ter Weele grew up in a family that traveled extensively because her grandfather worked in the U.S. consulate. She spent her formative years in Connecticut, attending St. Margaret’s School in Waterbury before moving on to Wheaton College. After completing her undergraduate studies, she earned a master’s degree in social work from Smith College.

Throughout her life, ter Weele remained deeply engaged in her community. Her later years were marked by a passion for gardening, in which she spent countless hours cultivating a range of plants and flowers on her property. She was also recognized for her philanthropic work, consistently offering assistance and support to those in need.

The ter Weele family will hold a celebration of her life on September 25 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Falmouth, followed by a reception. Funeral services will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Torrington, Connecticut, where she is buried in the family plot.

She leaves behind her son, Carl ter Weele, and his husband, Huy Nguyen. A community of friends, neighbors, and fellow volunteers will miss her kindness and generosity.