Anne M. Kaihlanen Obituary

Anne Gardner Kaihlanen, a celebrated soprano and music educator, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 15th, at the age of 86. She was born Anne Marie Gardner in Malden, Massachusetts in 1936, the first child of the late Ernest Lester Gardner and Grace Althea (Whitehouse) Gardner. She graduated from Malden High School in 1954, and went on to receive an undergraduate degree in Music Education from Lowell State Teachers College in 1958. Later, in the 1970s, she studied vocal performance at Boston University's School of Fine Arts graduate program.

Anne's love for music led her to sing with the Handel and Haydn Society, the Boston Cecilia, the Cape Ann Singers, and with the choir of All Saints Episcopal Church in Brookline, Massachusetts. She was also a church organist and taught voice to students at various universities, with the Treble Chorus of New England, and privately in her Rockport home for many years. Her recitals were held at prestigious venues such as Harvard University's Sanders Theatre and Hammond Castle in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Anne was a devoted mother to her four children, Gardner Gerry (Sue), Kathryn Gerry Peel, Chistopher Gerry, and the late Sally Gerry. She cherished her husband of 40 years, Lauri R. Kaihlanen, a well known painter and gallery owner on Bearskin Neck. Together they complemented each other's artistic vocations and brought vibrant colors and music wherever they traveled; to the castles of Germany, the sands of Captiva Island, Stonehenge, and to the Badlands of South Dakota while traveling cross country by van.

Anne is survived by her husband, three of her children, her step-children, sister, sister-in-law, cousins, niece, nephew, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and scores of other beloved family members and friends, including a special cat named April.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. Remembrances in her memory may be made to the charity of your choice.