YARMOUTH — Anne Elizabeth Whittemore, 51, of Yarmouth, died April 29.

Whittemore was born in Groton, Mass., on Jan. 31, 1962. She graduated from Lawrence Academy in 1980 and was an Ada Comstock Scholar at Smith College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature in 1991. Under the tutelage of her brother John, she became a tremendous athlete and distinguished herself in many sports including ice hockey and softball, often as the captain of her team.

A longtime Maine resident, Whittemore loved all types of outdoor activities, especially hiking, snowmobiling, and kayaking. Just about any weekend would find her pursuing these interests, often in combination with a geocaching adventure with her friend Penny. She took any opportunity to be near her beloved ocean and often walked the shorelines at Popham Beach, Reid State Park, and many others. More recently, she began exploring western national parks, like Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, and Zion, with her sister Wendy, where Whittemore’s wonderful skills with a camera came to the fore.

Whittemore also loved spending time with friends. She had a gift for organizing impromptu movie nights, football nights, and holiday dinners, and made everyone she knew feel special, either by assigning them a nickname or establishing offbeat memories unique to them.

She read widely, but had a special passion for Alison Weir novels about Tudor England and often wondered what it would be like to live in those times. She and her friend Angela, another avid reader, enjoyed many hours of lively debate, each gaining new perspectives.

She is lovingly remembered by her sister Wendy Whittemore, of Silver Spring, Md.; brother John Whittemore and his wife Becky, of Beaverton, Ore.; and her niece and nephew Lizzy and Matthew Whittemore. She was predeceased by her parents Priscilla B. and Douglas H. Whittemore, in 1989 and 1990; and by “the best dog in the whole wide world,” Pogie. She also leaves many cherished friends too numerous to list.

A celebration of Whittemore’s life was held May 3 at the Parish Hall, St. Jude’s Church in Freeport.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Maine Cancer Foundation, 170 US Route 1, Suite 250, Falmouth, Maine 04105; the Cancer Community Center, 778 Main Street, South Portland, Maine 04106; or Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Road, Fryeburg, Maine 04037.

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