DEER ISLE — Ann Elizabeth Stinson Small Bauer, 83, passed away April 11, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born in Lewiston on Sept. 2, 1927. As a child, Ann resided at the Plummer family homestead in Auburn with her parents, Wesley A. and Mabel H. Small, and extended family of grandparents and great-aunts. The Plummer homestead was settled by Ann’s great, great, great grandfather, William Plummer, in 1785, following his service in the American Revolution, and is maintained to this day by the family.

Ann’s initial education was provided by her father at the Jordan School in Auburn, a one-room elementary school, during the time of the great depression. Ann graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn, and then earned a Bachelor’s degree at Bates College in Lewiston. She worked for a period as the children’s librarian at the Rumford Public Library before moving to New York City where she graduated from Columbia University, earning a Master’s degree in library science. During her time at Columbia, Ann was employed at the Newark Public Library in New Jersey.

Following her graduation, Ann was employed as the children’s librarian at the New York Public Library until returning to Maine in 1955. Ann opened and directed the Munjoy Hill Branch of the Portland Public Library until becoming the Director of the Lewiston Public Library. In 1965 Ann was recruited to design and build the South Portland Public Library where she remained as Director until 1973 when she moved to Deer Isle with her husband, Willard ‘Sonny’ Stinson.

Ann and Sonny were married for 41 years until her death. During their many years together in Deer Isle, they were well respected neighbors known for their kindness, generosity, and passion for the cultivation of organic vegetables.

Ann is survived by her son, John J. Bauer of Auburn; cousins Rose Ebsworth of England and Pricilla Woodward of Stonington; a niece, Sharon Coulomb of Poland; and a nephew, Steven Small of Auburn.

She was pre-deceased by her parents and her brother, Wesley A. Small, Jr., all of Auburn.

Donations can be made to any Deer Isle scholarship. Services will be announced.