Anne C. Leary

*August 2, 1951 – February 25, 2025*

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Anne C. Leary on February 25, 2025, at the age of 73. Anne was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend whose contributions to her community and her passion for lifelong learning touched the lives of many.

Anne was born on August 2, 1951, and grew up with a deep love for science and education. She earned her B.A. in Biology from Emmanuel College, which laid the foundation for a fulfilling career in research. She began her professional journey at Children's Hospital as a Research Associate, and later worked as a Research Assistant at Genetics Institute. After 18 years in the sciences, Anne decided to further her education and earned her M.S. in Science Journalism from Boston University.

Anne's writing talents led her to serve as the Associate Editor of the *Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics Newsletter* at Tufts New England Medical School, where she made an impact in the medical and scientific communities. But her true calling came after the birth of her daughter, Katie, when Anne turned her focus to volunteerism—her true passion.

Anne's volunteer work was vast and impactful. She served as an English Second Language Instructor with the Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries INC in Lexington, helping immigrants improve their English and integrate into their new communities. She believed wholeheartedly in the power of education to transform lives, especially for those seeking new opportunities in America.

In addition to teaching, Anne was a Writing Center Tutor for SPARC for Women in Nashua, NH, where she helped women develop essential communication skills to succeed academically and professionally. She also dedicated her time to the Lexington community, serving on the board of directors of the Cary Memorial Library Foundation for two years, managing community outreach for the Lexington Farmers' Market for five years, and editing the newsletter for the Lexington Education Foundation for three years.

Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Rita Leary and is survived by her loving husband, Mark Stahl, and their daughter, Katherine Stahl. She is also survived by her sisters, Eileen Zewski, Mary Jo Grubbs, and Joan Leary. Anne's legacy of kindness, compassion, and dedication to bettering the lives of others will continue to inspire those who knew her.

A celebration of Anne's life will be held Tuesday June 3, 2025 at the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd. Lexington from 4pm to 6pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:

The Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries

https://www.mbmm.org/ace-center-for-new-americans

Anne's memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her, and in the many lives she touched through her work and volunteer efforts. She was a woman who embodied the values of service, learning, and community, and her spirit will be greatly missed.