Anne Wardrop

Anne Kenchington Wardrop, 83, of East Orleans, MA and formerly South Orange, NJ passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 1. Anne was born in Birmingham, England and was brought to the United States as a child to live with relatives during the bombing of Britain in World War II. After the war, she returned home where she graduated from Morton Hall School for girls in Shropshire, England.

As a teenager her frequent rock climbing outings led her to organize the first group of girls in what is now an international program called Outward Bound . Her happy memories of American saddle shoes, hot fudge sundaes and sunny weather in Connecticut as a child eventually drew her back to the United States to live and work. While working for Pan American Airways as a secretary in NYC, she frequently returned to Simsbury, CT. on the weekends. There she met and eventually married a handsome, young Episcopalian priest the Rev. Robert Wardrop.

Anne spent many years supporting the congregations of St. Alban’s Church in Simsbury, CT and for many years St Andrews and Holy Communion in South Orange, NJ where Bob served as rector. On weekend afternoons their front door was always open, a pot was simmering on the stove and the Metropolitan Opera could be heard on the radio. Anne will be warmly remembered by her many friends and parish members for always welcoming them to their home to share a meal. She later became director of development for the Bonnie Brae School for Boys in Basking Ridge, NJ where she began and led the first Scottish Games and the Tartan Ball as new major fundraising events which continue to this day. Anne later directed development for the Metheny School for children with disabilities in Peapack, NJ.

Upon retirement Anne and Bob moved to their long time summer home on Cape Cod full time. Anne loved walking with her beloved springer spaniels on the beach, sailing on Pleasant Bay and playing tennis. She was a long term member of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Orleans. Anne’s love of music continued as she served as Executive Director of the Cape & Islands Chamber Music Festival. She frequently traveled with friends to enjoy the Boston Pops, the symphony and live broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera in Boston. Above all, Anne will be membered for the many deep and lasting friendships she always maintained wherever she lived.

Anne was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, the Rev.Robert Wardrop, her parents John and Dorothy Kenchington, and brother John Kenchington. She is survived by son Robert and wife Nancie, North Granby, CT; daughter Mary Meggison and husband Jim, Ft. Wayne, Indiana and daughter Katherine, Somerville, MA. In addition she leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Robert III, John, Randall and great grandson Silas of Granby, Ct; Cindy, Damian, Dylan and great grandchildren Kyra, Mia, Damian and Tia of Ft. Wayne,IN.; nieces and nephews, Elizabeth, Paul and Sarah of Connecticut and David of Cape Cod.

Nickerson’s Funeral Home in Orleans is in charge of arrangements. A funeral service will be at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Orleans, Saturday, November 11. Memorial donations may be made in Anne’s name to Bonnie Brae School Development Office, PO Box 825, Liberty Corner, NJ. 07920 or online at www.bonnie-brae.org. For online condolences please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com