Dorothea "Ann" Munn

Dorothea “Ann” Munn, age 94, of Peterborough, NH, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Scott Farrar Home on February 1, 2021, after complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Ann was born in Atlanta, GA on August 13, 1926, to Raymond C. and Dorothy E. (Persons) Hamlin. Her older sister Barbara J. Haynes (Bobbe) predeceased her in 2016.

After Ann’s father passed away when she was 4, she was raised in a loving family by her mother, Aunt Ruby, and Grandpa Hamlin in Maynard, MA. Upon graduation from Simmons College with a BS in Chemistry, Ann worked as a chemist and medical researcher at MIT in Cambridge. Ann and Donald R. Thompson raised their four children in Acton, MA. Ann worked at the Harriet Bird Memorial Laboratory on nutritional research and hereditary obesity with Dr. Lois M. Zucker.

Later in life, she married Alric (Tom) French and resided in Maynard, MA, until his death in 1982. Ann shared her later years with her loving husband, Eugene (Gene) E. Munn, living in both Boxborough, MA, and Peterborough, NH, until his death in 1998. They shared their love of family, nature, travel, and community service.

Ann’s love for her family and friends was treasured by all. She had a quiet way, never intruding, yet always ready to help when needed. Ann devoted her time and her kind heart to young and old alike. She volunteered with children through Girl Scouting and the “America Reads” program at Peterborough Elementary School. Ann’s love of reading led her to volunteer at Kye Sage’s bookshop and to serve on the Executive Board on the Friends of the Peterborough Town Library. Along with volunteering at the Scott Farrar Home, she was a member on the Board of Trustees.

As an active member of the West Acton Baptist Church and the Peterborough Union Congregational Church, she served on the Board of Deacons, played in the Handbell Choir, and supported the women’s fellowship activities and charities.

Music was at the heart of Ann’s soul. She was born with her father’s talent and was greatly influenced by her piano teacher, her Aunt Ruby. She always had a piano to play wherever she lived. Ann was a ringer in the handbell choir in both of her churches and inspired others to join and share in her love of music worship. When she heard any kind of music, she was drawn to listen and moved to the beat as if it were part of her.

In addition, Ann’s creativity and talents shone in her American Folk Art Painting and attention to intricate details. She gave her pieces as gifts to family and friends that will remain as a cherished part of her forever. She enjoyed knitting for family gifts as well as prayer shawls and other gifts for charity.

Cats and dogs were Ann’s beloved extended family members. Feeding the birds and squirrels gave her pleasure and enjoyment as she watched them daily outside her window.

Ann was a lifelong learner and avid reader. She participated in many extension learning classes at local colleges as well as art classes. Ann delighted in traveling and spending time appreciating the beauty of nature. Camping, canoeing and driving in her motor home throughout the U.S. and Canada inspired her love of history and the great outdoors. River trips in Europe and her Bible Trip to the Middle East, gave her an appreciation for the diverse cultures and landscapes of the world. She recorded her experiences on film and in journals so she could share with others. She lived her life to the fullest!

Ann will be remembered as a beautiful and amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She demonstrated her love and kindness in a small quiet way, that impacted your heart. Ann preferred to share one-on-one time in order to give her full attention because she truly valued each person she touched.  She was a “giver” out of the goodness of her heart, not looking for recognition, just for a smile to know that you touched each other. Memories of times spent with Ann will endure, though her presence will be greatly missed.

Ann is survived by her children: Susan Kennedy (William) of Peterborough, NH; Carol Thompson (Richard) of Exeter, NH; Peter Thompson (Sharon) of N. Stonington, CT; and Deborah Hurley (James) of Townsend, MA. Also surviving are her grandchildren: Tania Albert (Dale) of Exeter, NH; Victoria Kennedy, of Dublin, NH; Joshua Kennedy (Heidi) of Dublin, NH; Shaun Thompson (Jackie) of Spring, TX; Kate Margulies (Peter) of Bellmore, NY; Greg Thompson of Vietnam; Sean Hurley (Shannon) of Lunenburg, MA; and Timothy Hurley (Meghan) of Madison, AL. In addition, Ann is survived by her great-grandchildren: Lily and Gabriel Albert; Owen and Haven Kennedy; Sylvia and Leo Thompson; Savannah and Evie Margulies; Owen, Makenna and Connor Hurley; and Declan and Caleb Hurley.

Ann will be buried alongside her husband Gene Munn at the Glenwood Cemetery, Maynard, MA. A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date when it is safe to gather.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ann’s name to Alzheimer’s Association.