Anne E. Cribby Sears, 79, of Portland, Maine, passed away on November 3, 2025, with her beloved husband, Art, by her side. She was born on September 10, 1946, in Portland.
A lifelong resident of Portland, Anne grew up on “The Hill” and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1964. She worked as an operator for New England Telephone and spent summers employed at Maine Medical Center before leaving to pursue her degree in Early Childhood Education at St. Joseph’s College in Standish, graduating in 1969. Following graduation, she began her teaching career with first graders at Nathan Clifford School. Teaching “her” first graders was truly Anne’s vocation rather than simply a job. Her dedication and devotion to her students were remarkable and well-known, matched only by the love and partnership she shared with Art.
Anne and Art began their lifelong adventure with a joyful surprise—elopeing in New York when no one expected it. Fifty years later, Art surprised Anne again with a celebration that brought family and friends together for a blessing and renewal of their marriage vows.
Anne and Art loved traveling together—and travel they did: to Bermuda, Ireland, London, Rome, and Hawaii. For many years, they also enjoyed winter escapes as “snowbirds” in Destin, Florida, where they formed enduring friendships that remained strong throughout the years.
Anne will be remembered as a devoted wife, a dear and cherished friend, and a warm and gracious hostess who welcomed loved ones into her home with open arms. She enjoyed playing Bingo (especially when Aunt Doris was there), and she “LOVED” her sweets with great enthusiasm.
Faith was an important part of Anne’s life, and attending weekly Mass and receiving Communion at St. Pius X brought her great comfort. When she was no longer able to attend in person, Jim Pizzo faithfully visited to bring her Communion. After each visit, she would lovingly say, “Jim is one of the good guys.”
Anne will be deeply missed by her devoted husband, and love of her life, Art; her sister, Pat Cribby; her sister in law, Donna Moutsatsos; her lifelong friend, Corrine; her childhood friend, Maureen, who always remembered her sweet tooth; her special cousins and Uncle Sam, with whom she shared many adventures; and her cherished former students.
Anne was predeceased by her mother, Kay (Connolly) Cribby, her father, Bill Cribby, and many beloved family members who passed before her.
In liu of flowers, friends are invited to make a charitable contribution in Anne’s memory to Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Food Pantry, c/o Our Lady of Hope Parish, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland, ME 04103. All dollars will be matched by an anonymous donor $2:$1.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 12 at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland with a burial to follow at Calvary.
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Anne E. Sears 's name.
492 Ocean Ave
Portland,
ME
04103
Anne, I remember when we were 6 and 8 playing school in your Grampy\’s coal cellar! The coal came in handy as chalk!!! As neighbors we would watch as our dads threw a gallon of ice cream across the yard only to break a window, as we watched the gallon fall three floors to the ground! OOPS!!! We also shared summers at Forest Lake swimming and picking blueberries. Then we were in real school where you were ahead of me and you moved to Mayo Street! Later both our families moved to \
Message: Anne, I remember when we were 6 and 8 playing school in your Grampy\’s coal cellar! The coal came in handy as chalk!!! As neighbors we would watch as our dads threw a gallon of ice cream across the yard only to break a window, as we watched the gallon fall three floors to the ground! OOPS!!! We also shared summers at Foreat Lake swimming and picking blueberries. Then we were in real school where you were ahead of me and you moved to Mayo Street! Later both our families moved to \”the Hill!\” In high school, I remember you as an upper classman at CHS. Then as an upper classman at St. Joe\’s College. I even worked summer shifts with you at the phone company! Later you had both my children in First Grade at Nathan Clifford, a year they both remember fondly. Then when all was said and done we became neighbors at Ledgewood! All through the years we remained friends. A long faithful friendship indeed! May you rest now and enjoy the Heavens …and until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hands…Love, Maureen and family
