Anne Elizabeth (Paro) Bushnell, lovingly known for her strength, kindness, creativity, and extraordinary gardens, passed away peacefully at the age of 91.

Born on February 18, 1935, in Henniker, NH. Anne grew up on a small farm in Washington, NH, where she developed a lifelong love of gardening, nature, and hard work. Her gardens’ became her passion and her masterpiece — filled with an abundant variety of vegetables, fruit trees, and beautiful colorful flowers she lovingly started from seed. She tended her gardens faithfully every day, often late into the evening, especially under the light of a full moon. Guided by the Farmer’s Almanac and blessed with what many would call “two green thumbs,” Anne could make almost anything grow.

Anne was a loving, caring woman with a strong will and a generous spirit. Life brought her many hardships, yet nothing ever kept her down. Through determination, hard work, and a constant desire to learn and improve herself, she persevered with grace and resilience. Her positivity was infectious, her forgiveness genuine, and there was always room in her heart for others.

She lived by her favorite saying, “Happiness is an inside job,” and she practiced those words every day of her life.

Anne was also known for the simple joys she shared with family and friends — especially her famous fruitcake and peanut butter fudge, both made with love and eagerly anticipated by those who knew her.

Hidden beneath her humble nature was another remarkable talent: Anne was an artist with a natural gift for drawing and creating beautiful works of art. She was especially proud of one of her treasured pieces titled “My Old Man,” a striking portrait created with wood and graphite pencils, showcasing her incredible artistic ability and attention to detail.

Anne is survived by her beloved children, David (Ellen) Bushnell, George Bushnell, Debra (Mike) Kupec, and Daniel (Lisa) Bushnell; her cherished grandchildren Angela Cain, Melissa Andriesse, Jennifer Kupec, Carolyn Kupec, Tricia Kupec, Dinah Bushnell, Dessirae Bushnell, three great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; her brother Richard (Debbie) Paro; and her sister Esther (Lenny) Roy.

She was predeceased by her parents, Thomas Paro and Ruth Stackpole Paro, her brother, Benjamin Paro, and daughter-n-law, Judi Bushnell.

Anne leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, creativity, compassion, and love that will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages others to plant a flower, tend a garden, or perform an act of kindness in Anne’s memory.