Elizabeth Ann Lassen Knight died at the age of 86 in her home, surrounded by her loving husband and five children on Monday, May 5 from a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She will always be remembered as nurturing, humble, forgiving, spirited, generous, kind and poised. Ann truly was a lady of grace.

Born in Needham, on Oct. 6, 1938, she was proud of her mother Gladys Rhodes Lassen’s upbringing in Maine and enjoyed spending summers on her grandparents’ farm with her brother, John. She also spoke proudly of her father Jens Peter Lassen’s solo journey to the U.S. from Denmark at the age of 18. Valuing family, she kept in touch with her Danish cousins and wove some of their traditions into her own family life.

She returned to Maine as a young adult to attend Colby College. There, this beautiful, musical and athletic woman met the love of her life — a handsome, banjo-playing football jock named Fritz. The two graduated, married and honeymooned on Martha’s Vineyard, where Fritz had spent his summers.

Together, in York, Pa, during the early years of their marriage, they started a family that would become her life’s purpose and greatest joy.

In 1965, Ann and Fritz moved their growing family to Chelmsford to be closer to their extended families. There, Ann became fully immersed in raising their six children. She participated in church life, taught Sunday school and helped with school events — always keeping herself very busy.

The family didn’t miss a summer on East Chop and, in 1988, with a long history and deep love for the Vineyard it was the place she and her family would know as their home. She brought her great enthusiasm for community involvement. Ann taught Girl Scouts/Brownies and attended countless sporting events, even when she didn’t have children or grandchildren playing on the team! Whether it be dance recitals, Boogies shows, Minnesingers, music recitals, sporting events and birthday parties — or any party for that matter — Ann was there with great pride and spirit. Her playful nature and flair for fun was magnetic.

In her later years, Ann’s attention was directed to her six grandchildren. She was present for each birth and was a strong, loving presence in all of their lives. Sleepovers at Granny Annie’s were never denied and created deep connection and memories they will all cherish forever. In her warm home, she always had a fridge full of food and freshly baked treats to feed anyone who came to visit and all of their friends too. She was an endless source of love, devotion and generosity.

After a few years working at Vineyard Nursing Association, she began working at the Toy Box — and was perhaps BB’s biggest customer! She loved matching toys with the perfect homes and bringing joy to their owners, no matter the age.

Ann is now peacefully reunited with her eldest son David. She was predeceased by her brother, John Lassen, and is survived by her husband of 65 years, Fritz; her daughters, Lisa, Pam, Kristen (Will Coogan), and Laura; and her son, Peter (Alicia). Ann deeply loved her grandchildren Olivia and Adam Knight, Jason Rivers, Aedan and Russell Coogan as well as her eldest Jenny Knight Daly, husband Timmy, and great grandchildren Jack and Eamon.

There will be a private graveside burial on June 14, followed by a public celebration of life at The Wharf in Edgartown from noon to 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider purchasing a new toy to help fill “Ann’s Toy Box” at her ‘party.’ These toys will be donated to the Red Stocking Fund. Direct donations to the Red Stocking Fund of Martha’s Vineyard or the Boys & Girls Club of Martha’s Vineyard are also welcome.