Anne Willoughby Sutton

Anne Willoughby Sutton, age 102, of North East, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at her residence. She was born on June 7, 1923 in Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, England to the late George F. Sutton and Eleanor Jessie Harcourt Sutton.

Anne was raised in Java, Indonesia. The family stories from that time in her life are legendary. After her mother’s death in 1933 and prior to the out break of WWII, Anne and her siblings relocated with their father to England. At age 18, Anne began serving in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), the female branch of the British Royal Air Force, at Swinderby Air Field. Her 4 year, 9 month service was in intelligence, working with squadrons in preparation for bombing missions and debriefings upon their return.

After the war, Anne earned her registered nursing (RN) degree and midwifery training at St. Georges Hospital in London and Chiswick Maternity Hospital. Upon the request of a dear friend who wanted Anne to deliver her baby, Anne moved to Canada in 1953, obtained her license to practice nursing in Quebec and worked as a nurse, before relocating to Ripley, NY in 1956, to work for The Electric Materials Company (TEMCO) in North East, PA, as their first Occupational Health Nurse. She became an influential member of the workings at TEMCO in preventing and nursing injuries and illness and developed strong bonds with employees and their families which lasted her life time. She continued in this position until her retirement in 1986.

Upon her move to Ripley, in 1956, Anne quickly became an invaluable, beloved member of the Johnson family, helping to raise children, cook suppers, pick Concord grapes and participated in all manner of family events throughout the years. In April, 1964, Anne became a naturalized citizen of the United States, with Jim & Rosemary Johnson and Jim & Clea Johnson in attendance at the ceremony and leading the celebration. 

In the late 1970s, Anne moved to North East, PA. Before her retirement, she served 2 terms as president of an occupational nurses association which served the Erie area. After retirement, she was active in the North East Women’s Club and was a 22 year volunteer with Hamot Aid Society where she most enjoyed rocking and soothing fitful babies in the nursery.

Anne lived with her younger sister in Lincoln, Nebraska in 2006 - 2007 to nurse her through her final months with cancer. In 2009, Anne made a permanent move to Nebraska to be near her nephew, Christopher Kent, his wife, Connie, and their 3 young daughters. She relocated with the family to Ormond Beach, FL in 2011.

Anne moved to South Daytona Beach, Florida, in 2014. She was instrumental in creating a retired nurses group at Bishops Glen and initiated the update of emergency and end of life protocols for her senior living community. She was a member and faithful attendee of Sunday morning services and Sunday School at the Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church where she participated in the Women’s Circle groups as well as Halifax Urban Ministries (HUM), working with the homeless. Upon her return North East, PA in 2024, Anne, to continue her life long religious journey to grow closer to God, resumed attendance at the First Presbyterian Church in Ripley, NY, where she had previously been an active member for 40 years, had served as a deacon as well as a devoted participant in the Women’s Circle group.

Anne was an avid reader and enthusiastic learner throughout her life. She enjoyed traveling, hiking and swimming among a wide variety of interests and was never fearful about meeting any challenge life presented her. 

She was well known for her generous, loving heart, compassion, willingness to lend a helping hand, resourcefulness, irrepressible spirit, quick wit, sense of humor and doses of common sense wisdom. Her love and kindness spilled over to the many family dogs who loved sitting in her lap, no matter their size. Anne was a blessing and inspiration to all who knew her and a treasure to her dearest friends and family.

Anne was preceded in death by her brothers, Peter Sutton, Charles Sutton and Anthony Sutton; sister, Suzanne Kent and nephew, Christopher Kent.

She is survived by several beloved nieces and great nieces including nieces, Adrienne Sutton (Jim Ryce) of Toronto, Ontario, Laura Roberts of Hamilton, Ontario, Melanie Kent (David Greenewalt) of E Dummerston, VT, and her niece-in-law, Constance Kent of Pisgah Forest, NC; great nieces, Isabelle Greenewalt, Margaretta Greenewalt, Campbell Kent, Evelyn Kent, Mary Beth Logan, Emily Williamson; as well as her beloved “Johnson family” including Beatrice Cloutier, Sydney Monda (Jeff), James L Johnson III (Bonnie Hall), Philip Johnson (Kathleen) and Jennifer Holler (Doug).

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 31, at 2:00 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Ripley. Per Anne’s request, memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 357, Ripley, NY or to the charity of one’s choice.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East, PA. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com

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