SOUTH THOMASTON — Annie Clark Wood Tyler, 94, mother of the Tyler family, lovingly known by many as “TyTy”, died peacefully in her home of 71 years, surrounded by her loving children and extended family, Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Born in Rockland, December 21, 1930, she was the daughter of Charles and Viola Winslow Wood. Educated locally, she attended Rockland Schools.

On February 14, 1954, Annie married Ralph Tyler and together they made their home in South Thomaston where they raised their 13 children. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend, Annie’s life was defined by unwavering faith, deep compassion, and a love for her family that knew no bounds. Annie’s home was always open, her kitchen a gathering place filled with the sound of laughter, and the warmth of love. To know Annie was to be welcomed as family.

Annie’s number one priority in life was her family. She delighted in family gatherings, birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and visits with those she loved, regardless of if it required travel to places as far as Hawaii or as close as next-door. Whether it was a trip to see a child or a grandchild, or hosting everyone in her home, Annie cherished every moment spent together. Holidays were her favorite time of year, may it be Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, because everyone she loved would be nearby. She also delighted in hearing stories from her children and grandchildren about their days, and treating them to sweet treats and all the love she could possibly give them.

Annie was very active in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. She attended many Parent Teachers Association meetings and acted as secretary for several years. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother while her sons were scouts. At every school concert, instrument or dance recital, for her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, she would be in the audience enjoying the performance. She was also often at sports games, graduations, and parades cheering on her family and taking lots of photos.

Outside of time with her family, she was an avid crafter, making beautiful, crocheted pieces for friends and family alike. She enjoyed lawn-saling and finding treasures to bring home, particularly gifts for others and dolls to add to her collection. She looked forward to “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune” nightly, often calling out the answers before the contestants. Annie had a great love for word searches, often gathered around by family members who helped her hunt for hidden words. She loved a quiet moment reading a book, penning a beautifully handwritten note, or watching a movie with family such as “Anne of Green Gables”, “Mamma Mia”, “Little Orphan Annie,” and “Sound of Music”. She started every day with her Daily Devotions and made time for her faith, often sharing the time and intentions with her children as they joined her in the morning.

Annie’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She attended People’s United Methodist Church (PUMC) in South Thomaston where she taught Sunday School for 60 years and served as the Sunday School superintendent for 15 of those years. At PUMC, she fostered faith in her family and community, and many of her children grew up to teach Sunday School as she had. As part of the Church family, Annie assisted on several committees, served as a member and secretary of United Methodist Women, and helped with numerous projects, such as Vacation Bible School, church lawn sales, and Public Suppers, for which she made calls to help organize and always baked several pies. Her most well-known role with PUMC was as the Church “sunshine chairperson”, which called on her to send cards on behalf of the Church to the Church family and friends for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other life events. Many still have little pieces of Annie in their homes, hearts, and on their mantelpieces from those many, many cards.

Annie desired to be remembered as someone who loved God and tried to live in a way that showed the joy that her faith brought her. Annie’s passing marks the end of an era and leaves a big hole in the hearts of all who loved her. Her legacy is one of faith, family, love, and joy – a life well-lived and deeply cherished, and will be shared with many generations to come.

Predeceased by her husband in 2002; her brother, Charles B. Wood; a sister, Gloria M. Cook; a daughter, Linda Casey; a daughter-in-law, Terri Tyler; and a son-in-law, Jerre Colby; Annie is survived by her children, in family order, Carolyn Colby of Windsor, Victor Casey of Ashland, Jane Riley and her husband James of Brewer, Beverly Start and her husband Robert of Rockport, Ralph Michael Tyler and his wife Linda of Suffolk, Virginia, Laurel Dean and her husband David, Matthew Tyler, Adam Tyler and his wife Lisa, Andrew Tyler, Ruth Jarrett and her husband Stephen, Jr., all of South Thomaston, Rebecca Fletcher and her husband Peter, of Guilford, Vermont, Rachel Penney and her husband Roderick of South Thomaston, Peter Tyler and his wife Debbie of Rockland; 43 grandchildren; 77 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren (and counting) as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and a large, loving extended family.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

A celebration of her life will also be held Friday, June 20, 2025, at 1 p.m., at the funeral home. The family wishes to invite friends and family to a reception at People's United Methodist Church in South Thomaston following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to People’s United Methodist Church, PO Box 83, South Thomaston, ME 04858.

To share a memory or condolence with the Tyler family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.