Beloved matriarch Ann Curtis Hale, "The Nana," age 81, passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, after an extended period of ill health. A lifelong resident of Portland, CT, Ann was born July 8, 1940, in Hartford, CT, the daughter of C. Harry Hale and Dorothy Douglas Hale. She graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan University in 1962 with an undergraduate degree in physical education. She would eventually go on to earn a graduate degree in social work from the University of Connecticut. Ann was Youth Service Director for the Town of Portland, CT, before beginning a career as Youth Services Director for the Town of Cromwell, CT, that would span three decades. During her tenure in Cromwell, she touched countless lives through youth and community outreach programs. She's well remembered by many in Portland for administering the Parks and Recreation Gymnastics Program. Ann also taught physical education at Caesar Rodney High School in Dover, DE, East Lyme Highschool, East Lyme, CT, and Mercy High School, Middletown, CT, making lifetime friends each. Ann left teaching to begin a family and dedicate her life to being a mother to her four sons. Ann cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren as her family grew-especially at their "camp" in Maine. The great joy of Ann's later years was her "honey" Tony Rotundo, who cared for her devotedly, even as her health declined. Ann, a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church of Portland, CT, took great comfort from her faith. Ann was predeceased by her parents C. Harry Hale and Dorothy Douglas Hale, her brothers Chet Hale, Dr. Nathan Hale, and Douglas Hale.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 27th, at 10 a.m. in the First Congregational Church, 554 Main St, Portland. Burial will be in the family plot in Center Cemetery, Portland. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 26th in the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St, Portland from 4-7 p.m.