Andover, NH – Anne E. Yates, 69, passed away unexpectedly at her home on August 24, She was born on September 29, 1956 to the late Henry and Elizabeth/ “Betty”(Richard) Shea.
A lifelong resident of New Hampshire, Anne grew up in Plaistow. She was inducted to The National Honor Society and graduated with the Class of 1974 from Timberlane Regional High School. After high school, Anne followed in her mother’s footsteps by becoming a maternity nurse after earning her BSN from The University of New Hampshire. Post-graduation, Anne was employed at Catholic Medical Center’s maternity unit. Later she worked in the maternity unit and same-day surgery at New London Hospital. Since Anne needed to reduce sun exposure for health reasons, her colleagues and patients fondly referred to her as, “The Anne with the hat.”
Anne met the love of her life, Jeffrey Yates, while attending UNH. They married in 1981. She and Jeff settled in Newbury where they spent 27 years together until his death in 2008. Together with their daughter, Jennifer, they spent many years of summertime camping with friends in and around New Hampshire and Vermont. The Yates Family always looked forward to creating cherished memories when they brought their camper to Henry and Betty’s yard for annual family summer cookouts and pool parties.
Anne loved music. As a youth, she played and taught piano. A fan of 70s and 80s music, Anne preferred the music of REO Speedwagon, Boston, 38 Special, and Aerosmith, among others. Music could always be heard playing in Anne’s house.
As an avid reader, Anne liked reading Danielle Steele novels and True Crime books. When not reading true crime, Anne could be found watching their television counterparts like “Law and Order” and “CSI.” Anne mostly read all-things Stephen King. It was evident that her favorite King novel was “The Stand.” She read the same copy so often that the book eventually broke into three pieces.
Anne loved to play cards. She enjoyed spending quality time with her granddaughter playing cards. She also spent free time working Sudoku and other puzzles. Anne was a devoted participant in the widow’s group through Lake Sunapee VNA which was very important to her.
Besides her husband and parents, Anne was predeceased by her brother, Michael Shea, in 1994. Surviving family members include her daughter, Jennifer Richardson; son-in-law, Alan Richardson; granddaughter, E. Paige Richardson; nephew, Matthew Shea and his partner, Lexi Quinn; grandnephew, River Shea; and many cousins, extended family members, and friends.
Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 5-7 PM at Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main Street, New London, NH. A graveside service will be held the following day at 11 AM in Elkins Cemetery, New London, NH. In lieu of flowers, Anne requested that donations be made to Lupus Foundation of America lupus.org and/or Protez Foundation protezfoundation.org.
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