Anne McMillan Thompson

HINESBURG — Anne McMillan Thompson, 75, of Hinesburg, Vt., died peacefully on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025, with her children by her side.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Grant and Helen (Morrison) Thompson, Anne grew up in Old Greenwich, Conn., where she developed a lifelong love of the water and spent joyful summers sailing, swimming and creating lasting memories with family and friends.

In her late teens and twenties, Anne’s adventurous spirit took her to Belgium and San Francisco before she was drawn to the beauty of Vermont. While working at South Burlington’s Sirloin Saloon, Anne met Daniel Stannard. They married in 1978 on Nantucket, a place she cherished throughout her life. Together they spent years traveling abroad and exploring the country in their yellow Volkswagen bus before settling in Burlington, where they raised their two sons, Geoff and Dwight.

A talented writer and voracious reader, Anne worked as an editor at the University of Vermont before devoting herself full-time to motherhood, a role she considered her greatest calling. She shared with her sons her love of music, books and cooking, and she enthusiastically supported their many interests in music, sports, film and law. Anne created a warm and welcoming home — whether serving generous portions of her famous chicken Caesar salad to hungry football players or hosting deafening basement jam sessions, she loved having a full house.

Anne’s caring nature led her to work with patients at Timber Lane Allergy & Asthma Associates and to volunteer for many years at Hope Lodge in Burlington, where she provided comfort and support to cancer patients and their families. Even while confronting her own health challenges — including two cancer diagnoses — Anne maintained her unwavering optimism and dedication to caring for others. She had a special gift for befriending and appreciating every nurse, EMT and doctor she met.

In later years, Anne moved to Hinesburg, where her warmth and generosity quickly endeared her to neighbors. She spent her days cooking and baking treats for loved ones, reading extensively, enjoying British sitcoms and traveling regularly to visit her sons in New York and California. In quiet moments, she could be found relaxing at home with a dry martini and an extra-hard crossword puzzle.

She is lovingly remembered by her son Geoff and his partner, Tiffany, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; her son Dwight and his wife, Maria, of Orange, Calif.; her brother, Geoff Thompson, and his wife, Karyn, of Templeton, Calif.; her sister, Christie Sumner, of Lincoln, Vt.; numerous beloved nephews, nieces and their children; and countless dear friends. A lifelong dog lover, Anne is also fondly remembered by her spirited companion, Gracie.

An outdoor celebration of Anne’s life will take place on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, 1 p.m., at the Sumner property located on Lincoln Gap Road in Lincoln, Vt. A private green burial was held at the same location on May 14.

Memorial donations in Anne’s honor may be made to Hope Lodge in Burlington, Vt. Donations can be made online at cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/burlington.html. ◊