Anne Wells

 WELLS, Anne Lefevre (Crotty)

Passed away peacefully on October 16th, age 79.

Very much loved by her husband Ross Crotty (married for 58 years), sister Christine (and the late Tony) and brother John and Sue, and sons and daughters in law Malcolm and Suzanne, David and Jenny, Peter and Fiona and son in law Ben and her late daughter Juliet. Also very much loved by her ten grandchildren Andrew, Charlotte, Alisa, Tyla, Emily, Brooke, Lewis, Summer, Tallulah and Isla, and sister in law Mary, brother in law Philip and Barbara and all her nephews and nieces and extended whanau. She will be reunited with her beloved daughter Juliet, who passed away in December 2022.

Anne was a giver, and a community worker who helped all people and treasured her family.

Thanks to staff at Mary Potter Hospice for their love and support during Anne’s brief stay.

Anne’s Memorial Service will be held at St. Andrew’s on The Terrace, Friday 23 October at 2:00pm.

Messages to the family may be posted online at https://lychgate.co.nz/send-a-tribute/ or posted c/- 306 Willis Street, Aro Valley, Wellington, 6011.

— Tributes —

Jane and Malcolm Campbell

Dear family
We were so sorry to hear of Anne’s passing. Anne was a very kind and loyal friend and we spent many happy times with her, particularly at Riversdale Beach.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Lots of love, Jane and Malcolm

Anna Mastrovich

Anne was our much loved Aunt with a heart full of kindness, she was so good with my children George and James ( she is very fondly remembered) as little ones spoiling them with time and treats. Always loved x

Alex Barnes

Anne, thank you for your tireless advocacy and compassion for those who facing injustice. As a younger Tiriti educator, you offered me a wise ear and open heart. Rest in love. Sending my condolences to the Wells family at this time of grief. Aroha nui.

Mary Crotty 

Anne has been my sister-in-law for a very long time. I have two brothers, Ross and Phil, so it was lovely to have Anne as a sister.
She has been a fabulous Auntie to Rebecca and lately also to Jake. Rebecca and I remember lovely holidays at Wade Street, Simla Cres, Oriental Bay and Riversdale Beach.
As a child, Rebecca went to many exciting places in Wellington with Anne. Later in Auckland, there were many more shared memories attending Rebecca’s football games. Anne and Ross could always be counted on to be there, despite the weather!
They were Rebecca’s number one supporters. They attended Rebecca’s many school events, assemblies, sports, kapahaka and musicals. Rebecca was blessed to have their love and constant support.
We have enjoyed so many great family gatherings and memories together.
Anne will be missed as a beloved member of the Crotty Whanau.
Rest in peace Anne.

Barbara Crotty 

Ross Malcolm David and Pete and families. Please accept our condolences on the sad passing of Anne. Our thoughts are with you all.
Take care.
Love Phil and Barb

Kathryn McKenzie 

My Deepest Sympathy
To Ross and the family of Anne Wells
I have just learnt today that your lovely, gentle wife, mother, grandmother, sister died last Friday. I had not realized that she was so unwell. It feels that she has gone much too soon.
I have always treasured Anne’s friendship and support. I enjoyed working with her when we took te Tiriti workshops together in Wellington. I have one of Anne’s paintings of the Wellington Harbour. It has a nikau palm at the centre. I think of her every time I look at it. Now it will hold even more poignant memories.
I wish you all the best as you prepare to farewell her publicly this Friday. It will be challenging to represent her life’s work and committment to her family and to peace and justice in our society, but I know that all who knew Anne will hold you in their thoughts and prayers.
Kia kaha, Arohanui
Kathryn McKenzie

Jocelyn Batchelor

To Ross, and all the family.
On behalf of the Hornbrook family, we offer you, sincere sympathy to you all on the loss of Anne.
You have lost a special lady, the most important in your life, but she has left you with so many amazing memories, treasure them, and share with the grandies so they can carry Anne’s memories through to the next generation.
We grieve because we love, no love, no grief, its the final responsibility of loving someone special.
Be proud of all she has done.
Rest peacefully Anne

Carol Anderson

Dear Ross and Family
I was so sorry to see that you have lost your lovely wife and mother Anne.
I have so many happy memories of Anne from our early years living in Karori and you in Khandallah. We had great times on the side of cricket games with the children playing together and other social times when we enjoyed parties and dinners together. I always enjoyed talking to Anne and just writing this can hear her voice.
I am sorry that I won’t be here for her memorial service.
Best wishes to you Ross,
Carol Anderson

John Wells

I am sorry that distance prevents me from attending Anne’s service as I was privileged to have known her for my whole life, including largely responsible for the long loving marriage to Ross. Thus I am still trying to process the sudden passing of my little sister.
However many happy memories remain of growing up together. Anne grew into a very kind and generous woman excelling as a mother, grandmother and family Matriarch. I will be forever grateful for her care of our parents as they aged and passed.
Rest in peace in your beloved Wellington. Love you forever. Brother John

Ruth Thomas

I first met Anne when Ross was in his final year of law and she was his pleasant partner. In the following years, we met often moving in the same law and female circles when she lived in Khandallah and I in Johnsonville. Our sons were in the same little Wellington play group and then in Auckland I was delighted to teach her daughter at AUT. Over the years and in different cities we stayed in touch. I was sorry not to see her recently when we were both living in Wellington.
Ross and family – I share your grief and will miss Anne’s down-to-earth commonsense, kindness and intelligence.
Ruth xxx