ATHENA ANNE SAYCE

Athena Anne Caragianis Sayce died in on August 21, 2024, after a brief illness. She was born in New York City on September 16, 1931, to Mary and Peter Caragianis. Her father died when she was a toddler, and she forever felt his loss. Moving back to Vermont and then Charlestown, NH, she was the youngest of three children in a blended family. She laughingly related that she was doted on by her mother and siblings, Irene and Billy, who were in their early teens. Her mother would marvel that even as a young child, Anne would speak to everyone she saw and make friends everywhere. Her exuberance for meeting people and enjoying life continued throughout her lifetime. As a teenager, Anne caught the eye of Montford “Bunny” Sayce, whose family also lived in Charlestown. Their lifelong devotion to each other was an inspiration to all who knew them. After a long courtship, they married in Sudbury, MA in 1961, followed by a two-month honeymoon trip around the world. The couple settled in Berkeley, California where Bunny obtained his doctorate. Anne loved living in Berkeley, making friends, taking classes and entertaining friends. Anne and Bunny returned to New Hampshire in 1968, where Bunny followed his true calling as a Political Science professor at New England College in Henniker for thirty years. Anne and Bunny opened their warm and inviting home to students and served as surrogate parents to hundreds of devoted students, many of whom referred to themselves as “Sayceans,” and many who are still dear friends of Anne. They loved hosting parties and Anne was always ready to cook for a crowd. The Sayces were famous for their Boxing Day parties which they held for years, with fireplaces blazing and Bunny’s ice cream eggnog. Bunny was the Director of the NEC campus in Arundel, England for two years in the mid-1970s, while Anne served as the Admission Director. They thoroughly enjoyed their time in England and their frequent travels throughout Europe, usually with students in tow. They summered at their home on Loon Island in Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, inviting family and friends to join them there and partake of cocktail cruises on their boat and enjoy sunsets from the porch and the dock. Music, reading, poetry, exercise and walking were all her passions, after conversations with friends. Anne believed people have a duty to provide service to their community, and did so throughout her life, especially with young people. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years and active with her church’s youth group. Many of the young people she worked with over the years became lifelong friends. Anne founded the Friends of the NEC Library, raising funds for the enrichment of the library as well as providing programming for children. Anne received her BA in English Literature from NEC in 1974, her master’s degree in education/counseling from the University of NH in 1981, and was a nationally certified counselor, focusing on career counseling in private practice and then Keene State College, where she worked for over ten years. She designed career related courses for Keene State, NEC and the School for Lifelong Learning. Anne continually pursued further professional development with additional course work, seminars, retreats, conferences, and active membership in professional development. Anne and Bunny both loved animals, and had many Cairn Terriers, at one point having five at once. Although not initially fond of cats, their orange tabby, Sir Derrick, stole her heart and when he passed, the next orange tabby and all those after were also named Sir Derrick. Anne shared her joy and love of life with her family, friends and even complete strangers. She made new friends throughout her life wherever she was, many of whom remained friends as the years passed. Anne dubbed herself and her three friends from her UNH years “The Sacred Circle,” which continued to gather through her last year of life. Anne moved from Henniker to Hopkinton several years after Bunny entered Hillsboro House after suffering a stroke. A few years after Bunny passed, she moved to Havenwood Heritage Heights in Concord, where she lived at the time of her death. Anne was predeceased by Bunny in 2012, her brother William Elias in 2006 and her sister Irene Carter in 2018. She leaves her nephews and many devoted friends, who will miss her lively conversation and laughter. When she laughed, her eyes twinkled, and she threw her head back in laughter. A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday October 26, 2024 at 4pm at the Simon Center at NEC College in Henniker, NH. The Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation Service Hillsboro, NH is assisting the Family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Anne Name to New England College Sinon Center 98 Bridge St Henniker, NH 03242, or a Charity of your choice. For More Log On to www.holwoodburyfh.com

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ATHENA ANNE SAYCE

September 16, 1931 - August 21, 2024