CUMBERLAND — Anne M. Sarapas, 88, of Cumberland, died Oct. 30 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, where she had spent her last few days surrounded by her family.

Sarapas was born May 30, 1926, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Francis and Marion Marrone. Accepted by the prestigious Juilliard School of New York City with the intent to become an operatic singer, she eventually decided to focus on raising a family. Yet music remained an important part of her life, whether she was starring as the soprano soloist at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, directing youth musicals, or just singing with family and friends.

Beginning in 1962, Sarapas and her family spent each summer on Peaks Island, which always held a special place in her heart, and where she lived year-round for five years before moving to Cumberland. It was on Peaks that she established the most enduring friendships of her life, relationships that continued until her death.

After raising five children, Sarapas worked in the medical profession, at practices including the Peaks Island Health Center, Allergy and Asthma Associates of Boston, and in Portland at Portland Gastroenterology.

Sarapas was spiritual in a nontraditional way, and believed deeply in the mind-body connection and the power of love to heal. She practiced yoga, meditation, sounding and breath work, and always loved a good massage.

She also found great pleasure in gardening, reading, journaling and spending time with family, friends or simply with her own thoughts. She never stopped wanting to learn, engage and grow intellectually. Until days before her death, Sarapas was reading books about a wide variety of topics.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Richard, and their son, Mark.

She is survived by her daughter, Maria, and husband, David Pyman of Cheshire, Connecticut, and their children, Aaron, Kate, Andy and Chris; son, Paul, of Maynard, Massachusetts, his children, Casey and Liana, and their mother, Tricia Crafts; son, Andy, and wife, Suzanne Keller, of Yarmouth, and their daughter Chloe; daughter, Joanna Landsman, of Cumberland, and her former husband Dale; her daughter-in-law, Judy, Mark’s widow, and their son J.J., and Mark’s sons, Matthew and Scott. She also leaves eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held Nov. 3 at Lindquist Funeral Home, in Yarmouth, and a memorial service was celebrated Nov. 4 at First Universalist Church.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074.

Sidebar Elements

---

Sarapas

Copy the Story Link