Anne Whitehouse

Anne E. Whitehouse, Cherished daughter, beloved sister and devoted friend to so many, passed peacefully on November 23, 2021 at the age of 65. She was born on October 12, 1956 to the late Robert E. Bernier and Pauline (Normandeau) Bernier in Sanford, Maine. Anne graduated from Sanford High School in 1974. She then went on to study music both here and in Europe with a travelling opera group. She then pursued a successful career in the music industry, working a full time job by day and playing keyboards by night with bands such as Noah, East Coast Express, The Ex-Banders and most notably, Straight Lace where she was able to pattern her funky style on stage and add her own flavor to every song she played. Many knew her a "Karaoke Annie" as she was a regular fixture entertaining at venues such as Bentley's Saloon in Arundel and Feile's Restaurant and Pub in Wells. Anne's l love for music was only paralleled by her love for children even though she did not have any of her own. Anne had been working as an educator for the past 35 years at the John Powers School, (The Strafford Learning Center), in Somersworth where she had many happy memories and will be missed by staff and students. She was also an active member of The Rolling Thunder ME1 where she held the position of Vice President and has been described as one of the backbones of the chapter. Her work with the Homeless Vets, Wounded Warriors and the Veterans cemetery demonstrated just how big of a heart she had and how selfless her demeanor was. Just recently, Anne had joined the York county Fish and Game club where she developed a passion for "Trap" shooting, and became quite proficient at it in a relatively short period of time. Anne was also a lover of horses. She used to say, "Heaven is a little closer on a horse". For the past 17 years she has been boarding her pride and joy miniature horse named Lil Gem, at the LaDawn Therapeutic Riding Stables in Dayton, Maine. Anne and Lil Gem participated in many parades and charitable events as a team; they also competed regularly at the Mousam Saddle and Harness Club winning countless ribbons and trophies for jumping and show. Anne is survived by her mother Pauline Bernier and two brothers, Robert E. Bernier, Jr. and Christopher C. Bernier. She was preceded by her father Robert E. Bernier, Sr. and two sisters Lady Allyson Laurion and Alicia Anne Bernier. Anne led a full and fulfilling life, on her terms. She touched the lives of so many people and will be greatly missed by all that knew her. There will be a time of visitation held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main St., Springvale, ME. A memorial ride and musical tribute will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Bentley's Saloon at a time to be announced. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation in Anne's name to LaDawn Therapeutic Riding Stables at P.O. Box 558, West Kennebunk, ME. 04094 or online at https://ladawntrc.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. To leave a message of condolence click on Anne's Tribute Page.