TURNER FALLS,MA: It is with great sadness that the family and friends of Anne Elizabeth Hollis Stuart are sharing the news of her passing on February 6, 2024.

Anne was born in Raleigh, NC on May 20, 1968 to Alastair MacDonald Stuart and Dr. Elizabeth Sutton Stuart. The family moved to Amherst, Mass. where Anne made life-long friendships with neighbors and classmates. She was a 1986 graduate of Amherst Regional High School and she then went on to earn her associate’s degree at Greenfield Community College and her bachelor’s degree in interior design at the University of Massachusetts.

Anne met her soul mate and fiancé, James E. Dresser III, when they both worked at Yankee Candle. Thus began a whirlwind romance that started with a trip to Aruba and culminated in 26 years filled with adventures and beautiful memories together. They had houses in Amherst and Turners Falls, which Anne furnished using her design skills, and they made friends and built community wherever they were.

Anne worked in the fundraising departments at Smith College and the local Girl Scout Council. She also worked for the Town of Montague and volunteered for many organizations, including Greenfield Community College, 4-H and The Montague Reporter. She was a member of Amherst Rotary, following in the footsteps of her parents. She supported many other local organizations such as Hospice of the Fisher Home, Leverett Co-op and numerous others.

Her compassion overflowed and she was known to always lend a hand or an ear for friends in need. Known for her lists and organization, Anne never missed a birthday and always took the time to send hand-written letters and care packages to friends and family, near and far.

She cherished all the children in her life and had special relationships with her niece, Rachel and her nephew, Andrew. Rachel lived with Anne and James when she was going through a hard time and Anne nurtured and helped her to see a bright future. Rachel recalls that Anne was also a best friend and her biggest advocate.

 Anne loved fine food, high tea, entertaining and the arts. She and James were season ticket holders at Tanglewood for many years, always inviting friends to join in the experience.

Survivors include Anne’s brother, Samuel Stuart (Michelle) of Sunnyvale, CA and her niece and nephew, Rachel Stuart and Zachary Stuart; her niece Jacquelyn Larios (Brandon) and nephew Andrew (Abigail) and their daughter, Elizabeth Jane. She also leaves James’ two sons, Robert L. Dresser and James E. Dresser IV (Brittany) and their three children: Owen, Joel and Aiden. She leaves many cousins, aunts and uncles and countless friends. Anne was predeceased by both parents .If you knew Anne; you knew the spark of joy that she brought to every room she entered. Those who loved her know that Anne’s light shines on.

A Celebration of Anne’s Life will be held on March 17 from 1 to 5 p.m.at St. Brigid’s Parish Hall, 122 N. Pleasant St., Amherst.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Anne’s name to Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 N. Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002 or to Girl Scouts of Central & Western Mass., Worcester Leadership Center, 115 Century Dr., Worcester, MA 01606.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com