Anne F. Milne, 62, of Camillus, NY, formally of Lincoln and Concord, MA, passed away on April 15th, 2025. Born in Concord, MA to her parents, William and Kathryn DeFord, Anne was raised alongside her siblings, Laurie King, Lise Wilson, and William DeFord.
After graduating from Concord Carlyle High School, she attended Syracuse University from 1981 to 1985. Anne pursued the engineering program at Syracuse University, for which she would say “I was ahead of my times,” due to being one of very few women to pursue an engineering degree, let alone persevere and graduate. Anne continued to have a decorated career at Welch Allyn, General Electric, and Baker Hughes. Anne retired as Global Product Leader, or as her family fondly called her, “The Boss.” Anne came to Syracuse to earn a degree and ended up staying when she met Robert Milne, who later became her husband of 33 years, after a Grateful Dead concert. Anne and Bob’s love started over a mutual appreciation for a jam band but continued to grow in countless ways beyond just music. Their love built a beautiful family of five, with their children Andrew, Shelby, and Mathew. Anne was a devoted wife and mother, committed to giving her family a fulfilling life. Her ability to grow in her career while also consistently showing up for her family and loved ones every day was what made Anne the amazing woman she was.
Anne and her family spent numerous summers down in Cape Cod, MA, where she was able to bring both of her families together. As Anne’s parents got older, she took on a strong caretaking role that brought her back to the Cape more frequently. Despite the difficult times bringing her down to the Cape in her later years, she would say Cape Cod was her “happy place.” Anne’s love of the beach, the outdoors, baking, crafting, gardening, and puzzle solving filled her many days here.
Anne is survived by her husband Bob, two sons Andrew (Sarah) and Mathew, and daughter Shelby (Brett) Blackiston. Also surviving Anne are her three siblings Laurie (Ted) King, Lise (Jeff) Wilson, and William DeFord, and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will take place at WildWood Event Center in Elbridge, NY on July 13th, 2025 from 11:00 AM-2:00PM. There will be a viewing and moderated speeches throughout the event. Anne was full of life and many lessons, which will continue to live on despite her absence. After supporting her father through his battle with Alzheimer’s, Anne continued to give back by raising money to support future research to fight Alzheimer’s. Instead of flowers, Anne would want others to help her support the fight by making contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association in her honor. Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help