Anna Stephens Husk

Anna Stephens Husk left this world peacefully, in her home on March 10, 2021 surrounded by family. She was an extraordinary woman, who will never be forgotten.  Anna will be remembered for her wisdom, community service, musical talent, humor, and generosity.

Anna was born April 12, 1928. She grew up in Montclair, New Jersey, where she discovered her love for music after going to a musical on Broadway.  At a young age, she began taking piano lessons, and would later fulfill her lifelong musical and entertainment passions.

Anna met Ray Elson Husk, Jr. “Elson” while working on the Hawkins farm in the summer of 1947, while she was on break from Johnson State College. They married on March 19, 1949, and bought the family farm the same year and started creating their legacy.

She leaves behind her children; Cathy and her husband Bruce Whatley, Warren “Butch” Husk (deceased), Ray Husk, Mark Husk, Brian Husk and his wife Cheryl, Kay and her husband Dirk Smits, and Matthew Husk. She leaves behind sixteen grandchildren, thirty-three great-grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Predeceased by her husband, Ray Elson Husk, Jr., her parents Warren A. and Marjorie Ellen Bowen Stephens, and her only sister Marjorie Stephens Miller.

On top of raising children and supporting the family farm community service was especially important to Anna. Anna was a member of the Ferrisburgh Central and Vergennes High school boards, various agriculture boards, and could be seen teaching Sunday School, singing at local nursing homes and for Project Independence. She was consistently fundraising for the church, school, and community, on top of thousands of hours of volunteer work.  Anna played music for the LC Jazz Band, Vergennes City Band, and during services at the Ferrisburgh Methodist Church. Anna was a part of every musical at VUHS for a 25-year span, and proudly wore the tee shirts of many.

In 1998 she was recognized by the American Legion as Volunteer of the Year for volunteering over 9000 hours.  She once said during an interview regarding an award she received for her five decades of volunteer work: “It’s a nice feeling to know someone appreciates what you do, but I’m not one to blow my own horn…”.   She was extremely honored and humbled to have a music room at Vergennes Union High School named after her, acknowledging her decades long commitment to the musical productions.  Anna genuinely enjoyed volunteering her time and helping others, especially when it came to playing music, where you could see her big smile and a little spark in her bright blue eyes as she played.

Personally Anna loved floral arranging, eating sweet treats, big hugs and funny puns, playing King Pede, fishing at the South Slang, family gatherings and visits, long telephone conversations with her distant family members and her birds.

A special thank you to caregivers: Donna, Brenda, Ella, Kathy, Jeanette, and the hospice team at Addison County Home Health Hospice for your loving kindness and caring of Anna.

Due to the uncertainty of the current restrictions for gathering and travel, the family is postponing the celebration of her life until a remembrance can be scheduled safely. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Special Olympics Vermont at 16 Gregory Drive, Suite 2, South Burlington, VT 05403 or to your local musical theater group.