Anna Bell Washburn was a very kind, considerate and compassionate person who dedicated her life to caring for the welfare of those less fortunate animals in her community. I know she had a great impact on the stray populations in Martha's Vineyard, Virgin Gorda and in Brooklyn, where she devoted her resources to the BARC animal shelter. I'm sure she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. GK

I mourn the passing of Mrs Washburn and all the great ladies like her. That grand generation is dying off and I only hope that the lessons they taught are sticking to the younger generations. Sometimes I wonder.....

She was the most generous aunt to us and we shall miss her so very much!

A gentle, big-hearted but tough woman who transcended class and time, she looked upon every person and every creature as worthy of her loving kindness. Would that I had but a morsel of her character. The earthly realm is a little colder without her.

A very dear friend and a Pioneer in promoting humane treatment for feral cats. A'Bell helped me start Alley Cat Allies, and when I left that organization and started Alley Cat Rescue she was there beside me all the way, supporting me and helping me. I was so sad to find out she had a stroke and went to visit her in New York in her apartment (where I had stayed many times) She hardly remembered me. But in 2015 a Miracle happened. I had sent her a copy of my Handbook on Managing feral cat colonies and she called me. The old Annabell, animated and full of friendship and love, telling me how pleased she was with the book. But later on when a called her she could not remember who I was and I said I am an old friend. She said then you must be a cat person! Rest in Peace, dear friend. You will always be in my memories.

I first met AnnaBell and Stanley in the grocery story when Stanley saw how much cat food I was buying he said "I bet we have more cats than you". That was more than thirty years ago and we remained close friends from that day on. And, yes they did have a few more cats than me. I shall miss her.

A'Bell was relentlessly dedicated to sheltering and finding homes for the Vineyard's animal population. A superb job well done. Thank you.

A'Bell's huge heart and commitment to animals was a magnet and beacon in the night. When one of our cats, elderly and disoriented, got out and barely lost on School Street, we found that she had made her way to A'Bell's on South Water and was standing in her living room as if "where have you been? I've been waiting" was on her lips. Bless you A'Bell.

http://www.animals24-7.org/2017/08/22/cat-rescuer-advocate-annabell-washburn-90-had-global-influence/

I first met A'Bell when I was working at the Gazette. After my cat Sam was killed by a car on Pease's Point Way, she had a homeless cat that she wanted me to adopt and she tried to convince my landlords to allow me to take in the kitty. Sadly, they did not agree, as they wanted no more pets in their apartments. I thanked her for championing my (and the cat's) cause. She was a gracious and humane lady!

AnnaBell Washburn is/was a powerful animal advocate who also advocated as passionately for humans too! I interviewed her on behalf of NYPD hero Joe Sanchez who was wrongfully fired by the NYPD and AnnaBell was a jurist that found Joe guilty of 3rd degree assault of a drug dealer. AnnaBell didn't realize Joe would now be fired and she wrote Charles Hynes who did exonerate NYPD Hero Joe Sanchez, decorated cop but the police commissioner would not rehire Joe. AnnaBell advocated for him 30 years ago and 30 years later after she had a stroke she advocated again making time for me to interview her! Like AnnaBell I am an animal activist and I care about People too. She spoke up for Joe again because I am trying to get Joe Sanchez an honorable re-instatement. AnnaBell was a great person, big big heart, a loving good soul....thanks and gratitude AnnaBell. Bless you AnnaBell you are in Heaven now surrounded by all two legged and four legged that you loved so much and love you!!!!!!!!!!!